We have well water with a reverse osmosis unit under our kitchen sink. I recently met a man who was working with the laws for testing lead in Nebraska. He said that currently there are problems with many of the spigots leaching large amounts of lead into the RO water. He is trying to change the testing procedures to just test the first small amount of water that is drawn from the spigot first thing in the morning rather than the normal testing of one literof water. He is worried that the one liter testing is diluting the lead levels. He said that the original spigots that come with the RO unit are not as bad; however, the replacement spigots that are often used to match other colors of kitchen faucets are sometimes showing up to ten times the allowable limit of lead. He is looking at real life use, as if you get a tiny amount of water for your child and the implications this can have on children. We do have a replacement spigot so I am really worried. I have contacted a state authorized lab for lead testing (in water). We will be testing our RO water (both a small and one liter sample size for testing), I’m just wondering if others have heard anyting about this? Does anyone know of a source for spigots that are lead free and safe from other contaminates, preferably manufactured in the USA?
Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
I wrote a post a couple of years ago about Lead-Free Water Faucets. I don’t know what the regulations are for replacement spigots, but the lead issues may be similar.
I suggest that you test the water coming out of your R/O unit for lead to be sure.
I live above a inaccessible crawl space. I had dozens of Carpenter ants crawling up my walls. I temporally sealed the perimeter of the space with plastic and put a hand towel soaked in peppermint, cedar and lavender essential oils into the space. Within two weeks the ants were gone and have not come back in the last four years.
I know it was peppermint but am not totally sure of which other oils I used with it. I had read on the net that unless you get the queen you cannot get rid of them but I did.
Also when travelling in Indonesia I moved into a little cabin with a bathroom full of cockroaches. Again I put a few dabs of an essential oil formula i had prepared for a book. I lived there for two weeks and never saw another one.
Lately I’ve been seeing PLU numbers that start with 3 or 5, and I would like to know what those mean. I know that 4 is conventional produce, 9 is organic and 8 is genetically modified, but what do 3 and 5 mean? I’ve done a lot of searching online, but can’t seem to find the answer.
I have just heard that drinking from plastic water bottles purchased at the grocery are dangerous. I quit drinking tap water over 7 years ago and this concerns me because water is all I do drink. Please advise the safest way to drink water that you know. I thought I was being healthy and now I am really anxious about this and wonder if anything is safe.
I am wondering about the breads in the stores that are labeled 100% whole wheat but are as soft and lightweight as white bread. Can they really be 100% whole grain and are they just as healthy as the heavier breads? I just find it hard to believe. What do you say?
Thanks,
Nell
Debra’s Answer
It is difficult to answer such a general question as I don’t have all the details on ALL the breads on the market.
I have seen recipes for “light” whole wheat bread that are 100% whole wheat. But many that are part whole wheat and part white flour.
The best recommendation I can give you is to read the label and make sure 100% of the flour is whole wheat.
Paints, stains, thinners and waxes "made from naturally-derived raw materials including citrus peel extracts, essential oils, seed oils, tree resins, inert mineral fillers, tree and bee waxes, lead-free dryers and natural pigments…. more than 98 percent of these chemicals are naturally derived from plant sources and minerals. Most of the ingredients in BioShield Paints have been used for centuries or more. We choose raw materials that are low in toxic substances, renewable and feature a low environmental footprint." Products include wall paints & finishes, oil primers & thinners, floor & furniture finishes, and color pigments.
Just wondering how to clean my car, clean the rugs and everything without using chemicals? I want so much to take it to get done but because of my sensitivities I dont think I should. If anyone could help me I would greatly apprechiate it…as I have a 3 year old and a 5 month old so lots of spills 😉
Debra’s Answer
We just vacuum the interior of our car. We don’t have children, so don’t have a lot of spills. We clean the dashboard etc with a damp sponge.
Does anyone know how safe ikea furniture is in the home. I have found some information that says it is environmentally friendly, but before I purchase some, I really wanted to know.
Debra’s Answer
Ikea is a company committed to health and the environment. They have taken a lot of steps in the right direction. You can read all about what they are doing at:
IKEA | Our responsibility
and
IKEA | Sustainability
I myself shop at Ikea and I find a lot that I like. I also find a lot I don’t like. So I wouldn’t say that Ikea at this point in time has 100% safe and eco-friendly products, but they do have many.
Read the links and you’ll see that they have done things like use sustainably-grown cotton and reduce waste through more efficient design.
I am in need of furniture polish in order to polish geniune wood paneling, book shelves and wooden beams throughout my family room. I have MCS so I refuse to use Pledge, etc.
I read the section in your book regarding homemade furniture polish. There, you recommend mineral oil or an olive oil recipe. However after reading through these blogs I came across a posting where you stopped using a product due to the fact that it was 20% mineral oil. I also saw the posting against olive and vegetable oils as they become rancid. I read that walnut oil is good, however, it is a “drying oil” that does not soak into the wood.
Can you clarify what your recommendations are?
Debra’s Answer
Readers, what do you use? I actually don’t use furniture polish at all, though I have a lot of wood furniture. They all have a water-based finish on them that doesn’t require polishing and protects the wood.
We are getting ready to install an above ground pool. We are trying to make the pool as safe as possible and want to avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine.
We were contemplating getting a salt based system but found out the byproduct is still chlorine and can be more toxic. We also looked at a copper based system but I am worried about absorbing too much copper. I am so confused on which to buy. They all seem toxic to some degree and I don’t know of any other option.
Could anyone give me some safe options and where I can purchase a system. I did read about Debra’s pool but do not know where I can buy a hydrogen peroxide based system. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Debra’s Answer
You can buy the hydrogen peroxide based system I use at Go Beyond Organic.
I wouldn’t use the copper system. Your body can absorb the copper and then get a copper imbalance.
After looking at all the options, we decided on hydrogen peroxide and have been very happy with it.
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the CleanMed 2010 conference in Baltimore. More than 500 healthcare professionals came to learn how to make their practices and facilities less toxic and more green.
I’m happy to report there was a high level of interest and enthusiasm in making healthcare, well, more healthy and eco friendly.
Here are some organization with more information on things healthy and green specifically oriented to the healthcare field.
“Thousands of everyday products and materials containing radioactive metals are surfacing across the United States and around the world. Common kitchen cheese graters, reclining chairs, women’s handbags and tableware manufactured with contaminated metals have been identified, some after having been in circulation for as long as a decade. So have fencing wire and fence posts, shovel blades, elevator buttons, airline parts and steel used in construction.”
“Thousands of consumer goods and millions of pounds of unfinished metal and its byproducts have been found to contain low levels of radiation, and experts think the true amount could be much higher, perhaps by a factor of 10.”
Apparently there are some isolated cases of recycling facilities inadvertently melting recycled metal with metal contaminated with radioactive materials. How widespread this may be is not known.
“The precise degree of that danger has not yet been definitively determined for low-level radiation, such as that contained in commonplace goods and materials…According to a 2006 report by a National Academy of Sciences panel, there is a direct relationship between radiation and an increased risk of cancer. Prolonged exposure can also lead to birth defects and cataracts, studies have shown.”
“There are no reports of anyone dying or being hurt in the United States after contact with the contaminated metal goods and materials. But the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency leaves no doubt that tainted metal poses a particular threat.”
The way to measure radioactivity of metal is with a geiger counter. You can buy a geiger counter on eBay for less than $100.
Most metals today, whether labeled “recycled” or not, contain some percentage of recycled material because it just makes sense economically and environmentally. The solution here is not to eliminate recycling, but to be more careful about the manufacture of recycled metals.
scrippsnews: Recycled radioactive metal contaminates consumer products
An international study has linked extended mobile phone use to an increased risk of developing brain tumours.
The 10-year study– the world’s largest study of the health effects of mobile phones, involving more than 5000 brain cancer patients in 13 countries–found those in the top 10 per cent of phone use are up to 40 per cent more likely to develop cancer.
Just 30 minutes of mobile talk time daily was enough to put participants into the top 10 per cent category in the study,
We live in a wooded area and have a nest of carpenter ants in the wall above a window. Actually, they are in the structural header above the window (I verfied by drilling several small holes it’s all wood above the window). I wanted to use diatomaceous earth, which is non-toxic, except if inhaled, but that will not work in this structural header that is within the wall.
My wife is chemically sensitive and our daughter is due to have her first baby in August. Is Timbor a safe alternative for my wife, our pregnant daughter and the baby on the way?
Thanks very much for your help.
GW
Here is a home remedy for making a bait, just do as follows:
Carpenter ants will be attracted to the honey, because of their love for sweet foods, and then will sip up the boric acid, which will cause them to cease and desist.
Keep this away from children as it is harmful if swallowed.
Debra’s Answer
Yes, yes, yes. It smells like nothing. I wouldn’t eat it, but my husband has been applying Timbor to every bare piece of wood in our house for about five years and I never smell a thing. No ill effects.
Soy- and citrus-based concentrated cleaning products that are "environmentally safe, non-toxic, with exceptional quality and cleaning results, and affordable and easy to use." No added fragrances, but products containing citrus ingredients do have natural orange scent. Products include All Purpose Cleaner-Degreaser, Stain & Odor Eliminator, Spray & Wipe Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, laundry products, oxygen bleach, dishwashing liquid, dishwasher soap, carpet cleaner, soy biobased lubricant, and more.
Sprayed-in insulation made from soybeans, a renewable resource. Creates a continuous air barrier around your home that blocks outside irritants such as mold, pollen, and other allergens from entering your indoor environment. Contains no harmful and irritating micro fibers or organic dust particulates. "When BioBased Insulation is sprayed into the floors, walls and ceilings, it quickly expands to 100 times its size to fill in every crack, crevice, and void….It insulates your home so well you will actually require a smaller HVAC unit in your home or structure…BioBased Insulation is a thermo set plastic foam that is by its nature inert. BioBased Insulation will not support mold growth and is not a food source for rodents, insects or other vermin."
I just recently found this site and it has been a great source of information! I am curious is anyone has any suggestions for a safe economical sofa? I looked at some of the sites on the GreenList, but I can’t afford $5k for a sofa. Also, most of the vendors on this list have the “modern” look, which I don’t care for. I just want a traditional sofa that is safe with a baby in the house and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. I know this is asking a lot, but am hoping that someone has some suggestions! I appreciate any ideas that anyone may have.
“We want to provide our customers with honest and true products that really are natural!…we are offering Natural Beauty Solutions and health products that meet the demands of eco-wise people! Our philosophy is that ‘Only the Purest will do for YOU!'” Products include skincare for all skin types, hair care, body care, tooth care, cosmetics, sunscreens, all natural hair remover kits, unscented items, and more.
If you love linen, visit this website. Everything you can imagine made from 100% linen, at affordable prices: bedlinens, table linens, kitchen linens, clothing…. All manufactured in Belgium and bear the label "Masters of Linen", which is given by a French organization to the top West-European weavers.
My husband is putting a bar-b-que pit together using a metal hot water tank and he wants to paint the outside with non-toxic heat resistant paint. What would you recommend?
Does anybody know if the Nu Wave Oven’s are okay to use? If they’re healthy to use?
Debra’s Answer
This oven is made totally of plastic, including the part that surrounds the food. I don’t know the type of plastic, but do know that heat releases plastic fumes. This isn’t a product I personally would spend time researching. If you want to find out what type of plastic it is, I can tell you more.
I understand that it can be hazardous to live within a close proximity to a dry cleaning service center. However, I am wondering about whether it is safe to live in a building that is near a dry cleaning pick-up/drop-off center where there is no actual dry cleaning that takes place – just where people go to bring and pick up their clothes for dry cleaning. would there still be dangerously high levels of perc in the surrounding area, such that one would not want to live in a building a few doors away?
Debra’s Answer
I’m not concerned about a dry cleaning pick-up/drop-off if they are not actually doing the drycleaning there. There will be some residual solvent on the already cleaned clothing being picked up, but it will mostly be contained by the plastic wrapper.
I have MCS and am trying to slowly go through my house and change out things that are toxic for non-toxic, or just get rid of it if I don’t need it. However, my health is bad so it is a very slow process.
I had bought some pictures (prints) years ago that I had planned to frame to decorate the bedroom and living room with. I had never bought frames and mats for them. Now I am wondering about the chemical issue of frames/mats/glass.
Can you tell me what would be the best way (for MCS) to frame the prints?
Do any of your readers have any creative ideas to use non-toxic materials for frames if purchased frames are not good. Also, I have a lot of sand dollars that we had picked up at the beach when I was healthier that I would like to incorporate into the scheme. Now, with the MCS issue, I am not sure how to do that.
The pictures in the bedroom are of the sea. (Three of waves, one larger one that is just peaceful with palm trees.) The one in the living room is floral with sea in the background. I spend a lot of time in bed and it would be nice to have something nice to look at. The larger one is just resting on the top of my mirror right now.
Debra’s Answer
I have never had any problem with toxic exposures from frames, but I have always chosen either metal or wood frames. The glass can block a lot of fumes that might come from ink on prints.
Our neighbor is putting up a 50ft. Ham Radio tower, and I’m wondering if the waves it emits are harmful. I’m guessing it’s not all that great health wise, but I’m just wondering how concerned we should be about it.
Thanks so much.
Debra’s Answer
I don’t know the answer to this one, but I’m sure one of my EMF expert readers will answer.
In addition to genetically modified (GMO) foods, there is also GMO cotton. GMO cotton is genetically modified with “Bt”, a protein crystal from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, so as to be resistant to the American bollworm — a moth larva that devours cotton bolls.
According to the newsletter Seeds of Deception:
A 2005 report by medical investigators in India describes an ominous finding. Hundreds of agricultural workers are developing moderate or severe allergic reactions when exposed to Bt cotton. This includes those picking cotton, loading it, cleaning it, or even leaning against it. Some at a ginning factory must take antihistamines daily, in order to go to work. Reactions are only triggered with the Bt varieties.[24] Furthermore, the symptoms are virtually identical to those described by the 500 people in Vancouver and Washington who were sprayed with Bt. Only “exacerbations of asthma” were in one list and not the other (see table).
(We are unaware of similar reports in the US, where 83% of the cotton is Bt. But in the US, cotton is harvested by machine, not by hand.)
The experience of the Indian workers begs the question, “How long does the Bt-toxin stay active in the cotton?” It there any risk using cotton diapers, tampons, or bandages? In the latter case, if the Bt-toxin interfered with healing it could be a disaster. With diabetics, for example, unhealed wounds may be cause for amputation.
Cottonseed is also used for cottonseed oil—used in many processed foods in the US. The normal methods used to extract oil likely destroy the toxin, although cold pressed oil may still retain some of it. Other parts of the cotton plant, however, are routinely used as animal feed. The next part of this series—focused on toxicity—presents evidence of disease and deaths associated with animals consuming Bt cotton plants.
So if you find you are reacting to cotton, this may be another reason.
Last week, the President’s Cancer Panel released a new 200-page study that calls for stricter regulation of chemicals that cause cancer, which are routinely found in everyday consumer products.
They also recommend steps we can take as consumers, such as buying organic food, checking radon levels in our homes, filtering drinking water, and avoiding plastic containers that contain BPA.
The President’s Cancer Panel is about as mainstream as you can get. It is a small group of three experts who review America’s cancer program and report directly to the President.
This all-natural cleaner–manufactured by eco-actor Ed Begley Jr.–is made from extracts of pine and palm, de-acified citrus, maize, fermented sugar cane roots, and olive seeds…no soap, detergent, or solvents. It is completely non-toxic and totally biodegradable in just 3 to 7 days. Ed gave me a sample. It it smells like nothing and it really works! "Begley's Best dissolves away grease, grime and dirt, quickly, safely and effortlessly. You can use it on any surface that is compatible with water, such as tile, showers, porcelain, counter tops and cupboards, linoleum, plastics, wood, leather, stainless steel, aluminum, chrome and colorfast fabrics…ideal for shampooing and spot-cleaning colorfast carpets and upholstery. It's the perfect cleaner for use on appliances, large and small, inside or out. Available in two varieties: Household Cleaner & Carpet Spot Remover and All Purpose Cleaner.
100% pure beeswax candles made from raw, unbleached & naturally yellow wax with cotton wicks. "The bees wax is made by local honey bees. We do not use imported beeswax." Over 130 different sizes and styles including tapers and pillars, animal and holiday shapes, and three sizes of birthday candles.
Face and body care, bath salts and oils, aromatherapy soaps made with olive oil and beeswax, organic lip balm in yummy flavors, "There was a time when I couldn't find 100% Beeswax candles so I decided to make them myself. I ordered pure beeswax sheets from a local beekeeping supplier. While hand rolling the candles, I noticed how fragrant the wax was and how great it made my hands feel. I fell in love with the bees…We think we have the best, high quality ingredients available (many are certified organic) and strive to bring them fresh to you."
An elegant website, with pictures placing gorgeous 100% filtered beeswax candles in lovely settings. All the candles are hand-poured in a studio located in historic building on the edge of downtown Lynchburg, Virginia. Pillars, tapers, votives, and tealights join unique designs such as double spirals and the “honeylight” tapers–a hollow candle with a fluted edge that makes the candle appear to have a crown of light as it burns.“Our candles are made with 100% pure domestic beeswax and cotton or natural plant fiber wicks. Our beeswax is never bleached, but instead carefully filtered.”
A friend of mine has a question: She has mcs and has an aide for her husband. His uniforms smell so strongly from fragrance that she has to soak them between 7-9 times in baking soda. Does anyone know of or own The Laundry Pure by EcoQuest? It is a machine that is hooked up to one’s washing machine and it is advertised that it removes odors. She is interested if anyone has had any experience with it and if it removes fragrance from clothes. Thank you.
I have asthma and have been advised that leather furniture is a better way to go because of allergies to dust mites.
Are there any sofa companies that sell leather that will not be full of toxins that will outgas? The problem with used furniture, as I understand it, is that the risk of bedbugs can be pretty high if you don’t know the owner. Or is there an alternative to leather that would also inhibit dust mites?
Thank you so much.
Jackie
Debra’s Answer
I don’t have any experience with this one. Readers, if you have asthma, what are your recommendations for sofas?
Food I found your Sweet Savvy site by looking for foods I can make to eat after just finding out I am diabetic, type 2. I am a 27 year old mother of lots of little girls. I read your recipe for banana waffles and the mother said that she has to watch the glycemic index foods for her son with ADHD. Because I am very new to the diabetes world, it struck me because almost all the food lists of glycemic indexes put bananas at 70 points. Do the other ingredients sort of counter balance that or what? I notice many foods stating they are good for diabetics, when their ingredient list tops these charts too. I am learning to watch the ingredients better. Sorry, I’m a newb and its great finding somewhere list things as straight forward as you have.
Debra’s Answer
I personally don’t rely on the glycemic index much, as it is a general indicator and bodies are very individual. A high glycermic index will raise your blood sugar a lot, a low glycemic index will raise blood sugar very little or not at all. The best thing I can recommend is to test foods for yourself and see what makes YOUR blood sugar go up.
In general, refined foods have the highest glycemic index, like refined sugars and grains. Also white potatoes, and “starchy” vegetables like winter squash and carrots. Cooking fruits and vegetables increases their glycemic index and processing grains (like “popping” them to make rice cakes) really increases the glycemic index.
The best diet for a Type 2 diabetic is meat, poultry, fish, fats and oils, nuts, beans, vegetables, and some fruits. Green leafy vegetables are amazingly helpful. Fruits should be kept to very small servings.
You can combine high glycemic foods with low glycemic foods and they will “balance.” So a good dessert would be cheesecake or creme brulee or ice cream because the fat lowers the glycemic index of the sweetener.
I’ve found agave to be the best sweetener for diabetics as it has a low glycemic index and a lot of sweetness.
But really the best thing is to reduce the sweeteners, grains, potatoes, and fruits to as little as you can tolerate.
I’m scared to death to buy a washing machine, even a used one because I am so sensitive to any toxic chemical. Petroleum, bleach, plastics, gas exhaust, basically any man made product. How long would you say it would take for a used washing machine to off gas. I really don’t want to buy a new one because I hear for the past 10 years they have been using plastics in the drums, and they are no longer ceramic. What do I do? My husband has been washing our clothes in the bath tub and in a small plastic basin that we’ve had for years and has off gassed. Thank you for your help.
Debra’s Answer
I think finding a washing machine isn’t as difficult as you fear it is. I’ve purchased several used washing machines. I wouldn’t buy a new one, but look for one that is 10 years old. Do you belong to an MCS support group? Maybe someone you know has one for sale.
We are considering adding an air exchanger to our air conditioning unit since I like the idea of having fresh air come in, instead of recycling the same inside air. Since we live in Florida we have the A/C on for about 6 months out of the year.
Do you think it is worth it or will an efficient air filter do just as good?
Thanks,
Marie
Debra’s Answer
I’m not sure I understand your question.
1) Some air conditioners bring in outside air, others don’t.
2) An air exchanger brings in fresh air.
3) An air filter is designed to filter the existing air and some air filters also bring in outside air.
So first check and see how much air is being brought in by your air conditioner, then choose whether you want an air exchanger or an air filter that brings in air to supplement the air being brought in by the air conditioner.
I love using natural bar soap, but some people say bacteria likes to live in the wet soap. Do you know if that is true?
Thanks,
Marie
Debra’s Answer
I am not concerned about this.
Bar soap has been in use for centuries with no ill effects. Bacteria is everywhere. You cannot escape it. Bar soap probably does have bacteria on it, but so does your skin.
The question isn’t, “is there bacteria on bar soap?” but rather, “is there harmful bacteria on hand soap?”
I’ve never seen any evidence that bacteria on hand soap is a health concern.
We recently purchased several toys from a reputable european company for our 8 month old baby.
The toys are made from cotton/polyester. On the caring instructions it says that the toys should be put in Permanent Press/wrinkle resistant program in the washer.
I remember from your free e-book that labels like ‘crease-resistant,’ ‘crease-proof,’ ‘no iron,’ ‘wrinkle-resistant,’ ‘durable press,’ ‘easy-care’, ‘wrinkle-free’, ‘stain-resistant,’ ‘wash and wear,’ and ‘permanent press’ mean the fabrics are probably treated with formaldehyde.
Could the toys be treated with formaldehyde?
Debra’s Answer
It sounds like these fabrics are probably treated with formaldehyde.
I recently bought this baking dish from Bed Bath and Beyond and it felt so light that I realized that it couldn’t be pure glass. I called CorningWare and the rep told me it’s made of a proprietary substance called “Vitrelle” – the same material as they used with Corel dishes for years. They told me that CorningWare always does extensive testing ont their products. Does anyone know if there are any hidden hazards to using this?
Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
Vitrelle is a laminated tempered glass product made with three layers of two types of glass. I don’t know of any negative health effects.
Can you recommend something to use to brush my dogs teeth that is natural and would have an enzymatic element to it? If there isn’t anything with an enzymatic effect, how about anything natural that would help with tarter beyond just the actual brushing part? Also, do you know of a toothbrushe that is made from natural materials? Thank you kindly! Terry
Debra’s Answer
I’ve never had a dog, so I don’t have any experience with this. Readers?
–Fluoride slowly accumulates in our bodies as well as in the environment. It doesn’t just blow away in the wind, nor get easily expelled in the urine. It first goes to the soft tissue, cartilage, tendons, and blood vessel walls, various organs, then the harder tissues such as bone, then to the teeth, and finally what’s left over gets excreted via the kidneys, hopefully. But remember, most of it is cummulative. Approximately 50% of the fluorine ingested, remains and accumulates in the body.
–Fluoride cannot be removed from drinking water with a charcoal filter; and reverse-osmosis filters only remove 40-60% of the fluoride because of the infinitely soluble form of hydrofluorosilicic acid. Steam distilling process will remove most of the fluoride. Boiling water for soup, coffee, tea or other drink, only concentrates fluoride.
–Approximately 1,200 mg (1.2 grams) of sodium fluoride (“just a pinch”) will kill an adult human being. That was the low estimate that Dominic Smith ingested when he died from an overdose of fluoridated water at Hooper Bay, Alaska on 23 May 1992. (Approximately 200 mg will kill a small child.)
–In the fluoridation process at the water treatment plant, fluoride is added to our water supply at the rate of one part per million, or 1 milligram per liter. One milligram is the daily intended “target dose” of this medicine, for each child under 14 years of age whose teeth haven’t yet fully formed. (Adults and pets supposedly don’t count in this equation, even though they also receive their own fluoride in extremely unreliable and varying dosages.) Therefore, for every 400 liters of water supplied to us, a full 400 milligrams of fluoride is added to the water supply. However, since only 1 milligram of that amount (one liter of water) is swallowed, 399 milligrams of excess fluoride literally gets flushed down into the sewer or sprayed out onto the ground as a fully legal toxic waste dumping ground. (And we pay $400.00 for just $1.00 worth of medicine.) Since we even bought the toxic waste, that’s quite profitable for whomever manufactured and sold it, but not very healthy for Mother Earth.
"Crafted entirely from post-industrial and post-consumer glass; we add no additional oxides or colorants. Each tile is handmade from unique combinations of glass that give our tiles their distinctive appearance and subtle color variation….shows how beautiful sustainability can be."
Untreated cotton, organic cotton (percale and flannel–in solid colors), and bamboo twill sheet sets online and in stores. I can’t link to the specific pages, so use their search engine to type in “all-natural sheet sets,” “organic,” and “bamboo”. Good prices.
Hand-dipped tapers and poured votives and tins made with “pure unrefined beeswax.” Hand-rolled honeycomb candles made with pure beeswax honeycomb foundation, manufactured for use in beehives as the base upon which the bees build their honeycombs. Beeswax Aromatherapy Candles are scented only with Aromatherapy Grade Pure Essential Oils, “nature’s own, soft and sweet as a walk through a fragrant garden.” 100% cotton wicks.
Will accept all types of batteries for recycling from residential and business customers. For a small one-time fee, they will ship you a container that you ship back when it is full of spent batteries. After the initial fee, you pay for shipping and a small recycling fee based on the type of batteries you've sent. A small price to pay to keep toxic metals out of our landfills.
I was wondering if anyone has information on what goes into Royal-Pedic’s blended latex mattress that they sell in their non-organic line? I have gotten many different answers to this question from dealers and from calling their own 800 number. Their website and their product binder at the mattress store both say it is all natural latex, but a different dealer told me it was blended. The company did not reply to my email asking about what is in the blended latex.
The last call I placed to their 800 number, I was told it was 60% man-made and 40% natural latex. The man-made ingredients included styrene and something else that the woman couldn’t spell, but started with a “b”.
Does anyone have knowledge of the whether a blended latex mattress off-gasses and to what degree? I imagine it depends on what it is blended with.
I could just get the Royal-Pedic organic latex mattress, but I cannot try one because no dealers in Chicago carry it in their showroom. One of the company representatives told me that it is a softer mattress than the blended latex. Has anyone else researched Royal-Pedics blended latex core?
What a great website – congratulations on all your hard work! My question is this: my husband and I desperately need a new mattress. We have decided (long, long story) that we have to buy a traditional innerspring – so we are trying to buy a floor model, hoping that it will have had time to outgas some of the toxins (wish we didn’t have to go this route, but can’t afford organic, and don’t like the wool ones).
Do you think it is safe to buy a floor model – at least it hasn’t sat in a warehouse, wrapped in heavy plastic. However, what about the possibility of germs from the hundreds of people who’ve tried it out in the store?
Would a plastic cover or barrier cloth help? This entire mattress buying decision is enough to drive you crazy – wish we could just go organic – but cannot at this point.
Thanks for everything!
Brie
Debra’s Answer
I can’t in good conscience advise you to buy a floor model. Yes, it would have outgassed some, but not enough. And who knows how unsanitary it might be.
If you want to put a plastic cover on it, use polyethylene plastic. A barrier cloth cover would help some.
I’d really like to encourage you to find a way to get the money together and get a good mattress. It will save you money in the long run. Some things I’ve done in the past to get money for big-ticket items were to save for it week by week, have a garage sale, ask everyone in my family to contribute money to it for birthday and Christmas instead of giving me another gift.
I’m a firm believer in “where there’s a will, there is a way.”
Hi, the Sealy website says that the latex layers in their innerspring mattresses are petroleum-based latex — not the natural. They claim that it’s the natural latex that people with latex allergies react to.
Debra – is this true? I’ve got a severe latex allergy (can’t walk through a mattress store if they’ve got the natural latex mattresses on display (don’t know about the petroleum based).
I understand and agree with all the significant issues in a toxic mattress, and the issues with petroleum-based items, but right now, I’m just looking to resolve the latex allergy problem
Many thanks.
Debra’s Answer
My understanding is that latex allergy is to natural latex.
after research we decided to replace our 7.5 months daughter’s crib with a safer one from Pacific Rim.
My question is: should we also replace her mattress as well? we have been using an organic cotton one from Naturepedic and we are really happy with it. But I am worried if the mattress could have accumulated toxics from the crib? Is this possible or am I overworrying?
Our old crib is from 100% solid wood with no veneer or laminate compnenets and with non toxic finish.
Thank you in advance and thank yiou for the wonderful blog..
A worrying mom
Debra’s Answer
A mattress or any porous fabric product can absorb chemicals from the surrounding environment, but they also can release absorbed chemicals.
I don’t think you need to replace your mattress. Just give it a good airing outdoors in the sunshine, a day on each side.
After reading about the health concerns about the use of flame retardants in upholstery furniture we decided to buy new ones.
Since our bugdet is tight we have 4 options:
1. keeping the sofa and loveseat which we bought 3-4 years ago and are 100% from polyester. Do you think that because we bought the in 2006 the worst may be over and we may be ok?
2. Viesso, which you don’t mention on the list but are eco friendly. Their furniture is customizable and they use eco natural latex foam as a filling . I already contated them and they said they use no fire retardants, no formaldehyde.
3. Furnature, which you mention on the list and use natural rubber but are a lot more expensive than Viesso.
Debra’s Answer
Viesso is not on Debra’s List due to technical difficulties I’ve been having with adding new entries. But I am about to be able to add new links and Viesso is on my list to add.
1. Your existing sofa and loveseat has outgassed some and the worst is over. But it has not outgassed completely.
2. & 3. Natural latex and natural rubber are the same thing, both from the rubber tree. I will just say, though, that various chemicals are generally used to turn the natural latex into foam, and also all the latex foam I have ever seen has an odor I personally cannot tolerate, but others seem to do fine with it. So I strongly suggest getting a sample of the foam before committing to the furniture.
4. If all you are concerned about are the fire retardants, then this option would be fine. You don’t mention what the other materials are.
Debra, I’ve made a major breakthrough in regard to my diet which consists of all (except one) organic, simple foods.
I’ve had food allergies (30 + years) and am presently on a five-day rotation diet. Problems for me cropped up consistently on two of the five days. I’m not allergic to any of my foods so this was a mystery. I searched the internet and found “Food Combining” as illustrated in this chart: at www.alderbrooke.com/chart.php
I began combining foods as shown on this chart and it definitely works for me. I’m still eating my same foods, but I’ve changed my meals to following basic recommendations for food combining.
One example: I was eating fruit along with meat for two of my five breakfasts. Six to eight hours later, I would experience very uncomfortable digestive symptoms (for two plus hours!).
I was desperate to find out why this was happening, searched and finally found within several food combining websites that fruit is easily digested, but meat is not. When the fruit sits waiting for the meat to get digested, it “ferments!” Alcohol is one of the possible substances that can form in a person’s digestive system in a case like this. If the fruit had been eaten alone, there would not have been a problem. I’m now eating my fruit meals alone!
Have you, Debra, or has anyone else found food combining to be of help?
Debra’s Answer
I tried food combining many years ago, and while I no longer adhere to it strictly, I tend to eat meals of vegetables and protein, and eat fruit separately as a snack.
dear debra, can you help me with my tomatoes , they are always looking sick after a while and get a yellowing and browning off of the bottom leaves after a while they all get the disesse and die. what if anything can i do that is organic and safe too stop this dissease. ? thank you trina
Debra’s Answer
I’ve grown a lot of tomatoes. In California, we grew them up lattice on the side of a deck that was ten feet above the ground, and they would grow all the way up to the top of the deck. Around September we would pick tomatoes from the deck and not even go down to the garden.
Here in Florida, we’ve had varying success as we learn this new climate. This year our tomato plants are doing better than in past years.
We have problems here with nematodes, and so we find it more successful to grow tomatoes in pots or hanging baskets than planting them in the ground.
Also, tomatoes are heavy feeders. In California, we used to put fish heads under each tomato plant when we planted it. Then we would sprinkle lots of black pepper around the plants to keep our cat and other animals from digging up the fish heads.
I’m not sure what disease your tomatoes have. You might be able to get some help from a local organic nursery or garden club.
Am trying to choose a new non-toxic, comfortable and supportive mattress. I have an RX for flame retardant free, but even with an RX it is difficult to find. After several months of research, and getting nowhere, am finally down to two alternatives. The first is:
1) An organic innerspring mattress that uses hydrated silica, baking soda and cellulose as a flame barrier. In searching the web, have found a few negatives but since I am not a chemist can’t really figure it out….any thoughts as to the toxicity of having this in your mattress?
2) A latex mattress covered with a cotton/wool cover. But after reading this:
The first thing to know is that “flame retardant” refers to a wide variety of materials. The reason you are having difficulty finding one without flame retardants is that it is required by federal law that all mattresses pass a flammability test. The law does not specify what is to be used to make the mattress pass the test.
In the past, only toxic chemicals were used, thus the need to get a prescription to get a mattress without toxic flame retardants. Today, since more is known about the toxicity of flame retardants, there are other options available that are not toxic, and these can be had without a prescription.
Now I’ll answer your specific questions.
1) Hydrated silica, baking soda, and cellulose are all nontoxic. Silica is sand, it’s the stuff used to make glass. Baking soda is a natural mineral. Cellulose is just plant material. We eat cellulose all the time, whenever we eat vegetables and fruits.
2) Many mattresses are sold with a layer of wool as a fire retardant barrier. Since all mattresses sold must pass the flammability test, I am assuming that those mattresses pass or they wouldn’t be sold. Ask them for a copy of their flammabity test if you have any doubt.
Now, about that link, note that the photos show a single strand of wool burning. A single strand with a lot of air around it. Fire requires air to burn. I learned that building fires in my wood stove. A single match burns fine, but pile up pieces of wood with no air between them and they won’t burn. So I’m not surprised that a single strand of wool yarn would burn like a candle wick. But in a mattress it is a layer of wool–complete different conditions. As to your being leery, I don’t quite understand. You got a prescription for a mattress to NOT be flame proof, so why are you concerned about how effective wool is as fire retardant? I sleep on a wool mattress. I have for years. I am not at all concerned about it being flameproof. I don’t smoke in bed.
Hi Debra, I am having a difficulty with prefinished white hardwood oak floors I had installed in Dec. 2009. I ripped out old hardwood floors that had pesticide on them and replaced them with this new floor. I am chemically sensitive and but i never had problems with the other white hardwood floors in other parts of my home. I am not sure if its the finish on the floor or the wood itself. I was thinking of sanding the prefinished wood and then coating it with a voc free hard seal. Has anyone else had this problem? The new floor is from a different manaufacturer and they use aluminum oxide as the prefinish. Do you think sanding the floor will help?
Thanks
John
Debra’s Answer
The first thing I would do is apply heat. Close up the room and turn on the heat. At the end of the day, open the windows and let it air out. Keep doing this until there is no more odor. It’s probably the finish that is not fully cured.
Hi. I made liquid soap with grated castile soap, water, glycerin and honey in the blender. The soap has solidified and I don’t know if I can re-liquify it or if it’s garbage. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
It’s been my experience than any soap will “melt” when exposed to water. I would add more water and let it sit in the sun to get warm.
Universay of Michigan has released a study on eating Tart Cherries to help reduce inflamation.
www.choosecherries.com/health/hearthealth.aspx
My husband and I have been eating 20 cherries a day and found it does help. Some of my friends tried and didn’t think it helped until after they stopped eating them. I have talked to my Dr and he agrees that it can help. I have heard of Sports Drs that recommend Tart Cherry Juice. Cherries are on the dirty dozen list and I buy Orgainic. I have a buying group of friends which brings the price down. Bulk buying is cheaper than buying the small packages in the store and much better for the environment. Just keep extra cherries in the refrigerator or freezer.
They are great in muffins, cookies, salads, berry crisps, in granola and just by themselves as a treat. For those that eat chocolate, eat them together for a great treat.
Debra’s Answer
In the past I have eaten cherries for pain relief and it really worked for me!
I was wondering if you could suggest a natural or organic grass seed for my lawn. I have been doing research and can not find anything that is chemical free, the closest thing i have found is a product sold at Whole Foods called Pearl’s Premium. I have two large sections that need some grass. I also have small children that roll around in the grass. Any suggestions would be great. We do not use any chemical in or around our house. Thank you.
I just need to take this opportunity to mention lawn can also be planted with flowers for cutting or a kitchen garden with vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
I am looking for a natural or organic bar soap that is super moisturizing. I have tried Dr. Bronners, Kiss My Face olive oil soap, shea butter soap, “unscented” Dove, all without success. They seem fine in the shower, but when I dry off I can see the crocodile skin on my legs, and my arms and torso get itchy. Thanks.
I need to replace my flat roof. Does anyone know what type will outgas the least?
My options include spray-foam polyurea, torch-down modified bitumen, peel-and-stick modified bitumen, rolled asphalt, EPDM rubber, (ethylene propylene diene monomer), PVC, built-up roof, or two layer peel & stick system where the top sheet is granule surfaced.
Then there are the underlayments, adhesives, etc. which I’d appreciate suggestions on as well.
I’m in southern California.
Thanks so much!
Debra’s Answer
I could analyze each of these, but I’d rather hear about first-hand experiences. Readers, have you installed any of these on your flat roofs?
A leader in natural and organic bodycare products since 1967, they make a full line of natural and organic skin care and hair care products. Their factory has been certified organic and now they are having each of their ingredients certified one by one by Quality Assurance International. Even with international distribution, products are hand-crafted in small batches and mixed every day for freshness. Bottles are made of recyclable plastic and boxes made from recyclable cardboard.
I have mcs and always have had to air out sneakers/running shoes on my balcony for a year before I can wear them. I recently bought a pair of lovely sneakers from HSN and they smell worse than anything I have ever smelled before. I would like to keep them if possible. Does anyone have any suggestions besides airing them out as to how to help get the odor out quicker? Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
I’ve never had success making sneakers smell less. Readers?
I am a big fan of Dr. Oz and watch his show when I can. He recommended banana for a hair conditioner. Take a half of banana and whip it up with a hand blender, apply to hair and let set for 15 minutes. Rinse out, comb out any pieces and wash. My hair has never felt better or had more body. I am doing this once a week. He says it repairs the hair.
Debra’s Answer
Thanks! I welcome more tips like this on this blog.
Sprays from neighbors or city are outside my home. I have pesticide poisoning. It has been six months and still have to wear a mask to get in house.
Can any one recommend what to put on my lawn or wash my house with to get rid of what ever this is.
They sprayed termador and cykick on there lawn and round up in the alley. Also across the street the have once a month orkin sprays. PLEASE HELP.
Neighbors don’t listen and I am not well to take to court.
I can’t move.
Debra’s Answer
In the past I have contacted pesticide manufacturers to find out what the “clean up” chemical is for their pesticides. However, in your case, I’m not sure this would help if they are spraying on a continuous basis.
I know you said you can’t move, but that would be the best way to handle this.
Made from 85% limestone (an abundant natural resource), recycled content and vinyl. It qualifies for LEED green building credits in several categories, including recycled content and low-emitting resilient flooring. These are the least expensive, most readily available nontoxic flooring option, available at mass retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe's. Ask at local stores for styles and colors they can order.
We had just moved out of a rental apartment that had a big mold problem. I thought we had finally fixed our living situation (we have two small children) but just found out that our next door neighbor in the new rental apartment, a nice old lady, paints on porcelain china as a hobby and has a kiln that she burns once a week for about 3 hours.
She let me look at the kiln and it looked pretty small but had no ventilation system with it. It is located in the far room of her apartment. She claims that there is no smell when she burns it and she has been doing it for 20 years but I am still worried that we went from one toxic problem to another.
I read online that when you burn glazes in kilns it creates toxic fumes that can stay on the walls, floors, etc. We are not in that same apartment of course but I am still worried because of the kids that the fumes could spread to our apartment. The lady often keeps her apartment door open.
I was thinking of doing a lead test on the walls and floors of our apartment because one of the chemicals that can vaporize in the kiln is lead! Not sure what is a good test kit for that…
If anyone has any thoughts on how to test if it is safe to stay in our apartment, or had any experience with that please write! My husband is very much against moving again, but he was also against moving out of the moldy apartment… He says I will find a problem no matter where we move… Luckily we only signed a 6-months lease. Toxic fumes from kilns is one thing I didn’t know to look out for when looking for a rental!
Thanks in advance for any ideas!
Debra’s Answer
There’s a whole discussion about this at http://www.potters.org/subject04714.htm/. The consensus is that kilns MUST be vented. Note that most of the potters on this discussion have their kilns in garages, basements, or out buildings, and not in living quarters.
The two questions here are:
Air can transfer from her unit to yours through the building ventilation system, through cracks in the walls, through open doors or windows.
I would insist that she vent her kiln, for her own safety as well as yours and then make sure the vented air isn’t getting into your unit.
I just want to comment that this post really reminded me of the necessity of looking at the entire lifecycle of a product and the toxic exposures involved. My minimum requirement for an acceptable product is that the end-use product that I encounter as a consumer be not toxic to my own body, perhaps because protecting my own health from direct toxic exposure was my first concern many years ago. Pottery is a wonderful material, nontoxic if unleaded glazes are used, and historical–making pottery is an ancient. But clearly there are some toxics released into the air, at least when modern techniques are used. And those toxic fumes get into the air where we can breathe them, even if not directly. Of course, they would dissipate in the vast ocean of air, but we know all too well that air pollutants can build up in the air even at the amounts we presently create in manufacturing. Sounds like the manufacturing needs to be cleaned up, even if the end product is safe.
It does seem to me that if, for example, a lead-free glaze is used, the kiln would not release lead fumes.
I just had vinyl windows installed in my whole home – only to realize that they might outgas. Will your technique of “heating up the home 24 hrs to max” work to eliminate the outgassing? if I do it 5 times? Or could I put something over the vinyl, some sealant?
Its possible I can scrape the money together for aluminum windows to replace the two vinyl in the bedroom. What do you suggest? I need answer asap as contractor is awaiting.
Debra’s Answer
I don’t have any experience outgassing vinyl windows, so I don’t know if heat will work or not.
I suppose you could seal the inside with foil tape, though it wouldn’t be very attractive. I don’t know what kind of clear sealant you could apply that would stick to the vinyl.
We have some furniture – both painted and unpainted, that is about 25 to 30 years old, including a couple of chairs, some painted stools, and a very small painted trunk, plus a small table. I am unsure of the type of wood.
However, I noticed some holes (which had black ovals surrounding them)on a couple of items, and some other pin holes in the various pieces. Scattered and definitely not meant to be a “design” feature.
A pest control field inspector checked them, said that they had been invaded by pests at some time, but it was not a powder post beetle (type of wormwood) and was nothing to worry about.
My friend asked an antique dealer who has familiarity with this type of problem and advised using a needle to inject cupanol (spelling?) into the holes, a compound used on boats to stop mold.
Then use a wood filler for the holes. Obviously the boat compound would be quite toxic and strong for anyone with MCS or who wanted to use non-toxics.
“In the past decade triclosan has been added to zillions of consumer products, including the clothes you wear and the cutting boards you use to prepare food. It is commonly in liquid hand soap/body washes, deodorant, facial cleansers, acne treatments, facial moisturizers, toothpaste, shaving cream, and some bar soaps. Such products often noticeably promote “Antibacterial Properties” in bold print on their packaging, and triclosan is typically listed in the small ingredient print when required by law.”
The article explains exactly how the thyroid gland is affected by toxic chemicals.
I have MCS and I don’t know how to get rid of very big black ants that have appeared in my house. I have tried diatamaceous earth around the perimiter of my house but that hasn’t worked. Any suggestions?
Does anyone know whether the glaze on these German Harsch Gairtopf crocks leach chemicals into the vegetables while they ferment? Amazon’s description states: “The patented Harsch crock-pot is a beautiful stoneware piece and is fired at 1200 degrees Celsius and finished with a lead free glaze”, and “Made of ceramic lead free clay”.
I know that one has to be careful when using acidic food and juices, which would tend to more likely leach chemicals from the glaze into the food. I have chemical sensitivities and want to make sure I’m not leaching chemicals into my lacto-fermented vegetables with these pots.
Also, does anyone know whether the Kuhn Rikon Pressure Cookers leach heavy metals or chemicals? (Kuhn Rikon Duromatic 22cm SH 4L Pressure Cooker).
Thank you very much for any help or information about this–cheers.
Debra’s Answer
That’s a good question that I don’t know a definitive answer to.
Do you know what the bright colored foam squares are made of that are often used as a soft surface for babies and children to play on. The bag says ‘non-toxic’, but not what it’s made of. I bought these a long time ago and am trying to decide whether to continue using them or not.
Thanks,
Marie
Debra’s Answer
I suggest that you call the manufacturer and find out. A lot of foam is polyurethane foam, which outgasses toxic fumes. But not necessarily. Find out from the manufacturer and let me know, and I will tell you if it’s safe. BTW, there is no legal definition for the word “nontoxic” on a label, so it’s always a good idea to find out exactly what the materials are.
Hello Debra, I am wondering if you are aware of any organic shampoo products that are suitable for someone with dry hair, dry scalp/dandruff AND greasy roots?? Thank you. 🙂
I tried a sample of this and it really works! Almost instantly (less than 5 seconds). It even worked on really strong odors, while being itself almost odor-free. Completely eliminates a wide variety of odors commonly found in and around the home including tough odors associated with smoking, pets, bathrooms, kitchens, athletic gear, skunks and many more. Made primarily from plant sources and contains no dangerous chemicals. In extensive laboratory testing actual use in hospitals this product has been shown to be hypoallergenic and nontoxic.
This company proves recycled can also be beautiful with their gorgeous historic, classical window hardware. They manufacture over 600 types of drapery hardware in recycled wrought iron, reforested carved wood, recyclable cast stone, tortoise shell bamboo (the fastest growing renewable resource on the planet) and a highly polished recycled aluminum.
The most luxurious eco-friendly bedlinens I’ve seen. Organic cotton bedlinens come in a rainbow of solid colors, in an Indian print applied by hand with wood blocks, and other natural designs and in various weights. Natural color linen bedlinens contain both fine Irish and Belgian linen. And alpaca–yes, soft alpaca sheets and pillowcases–from animals grazed on land that is free of fertilizers and pesticides, where the herders practice a philosophy of “Pachamama” to develop harmony between man and the mother earth and to preserve the alpacas’ welfare. Silk bedlinens–and handstitched quilts, shams and bedskirts in vibrant colors–are finished with organic nut oil soap instead of formaldehyde. All can be custom monogrammed. Packaging is minimal packaging out of only recycled materials that can also be recycled or reused. All the eco-benefits of each product are fully explained. “We video tape in person, in all countries, all human resources that go into the manufacturing of our draperies. We guarantee good working conditions where happy employees take pride in producing our quality healthy products for a healthy planet…We have a corporate commitment to alternative labor sources. We also have an ethical responsibility to our community including support for homeless and battered women’s programs.”
One day I was looking for a scale, one that would check for Body Mass Index (BMI), and found one and decided to look further on the box for other information.
Well, I noticed that the battery that goes inside the scale contains perchlorate material. So then I took down other information including a website www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
I was wondering if anyone has had a experiences with Kahrs or Mannington engineered hardwood floors. From what I have read on the websites of these companys Mannington uses formaldehyde free adhesives and Kahrs said theirs is very low in emissions. Kahrs also uses a uv fininsh with no aluminum oxide finish. Thanks.
I know both of these use formaldehyde based resins, but is furniture made from plywood less toxic (less offgassing) than that made with particle board?
Debra’s Answer
Particleboard is made from wood chips and sawdust, held together with a urea-formaldehyde resin. It offgasses formaldehyde from the resin. Over time, the amount of formaldehyde emitting from the particleboard becomes less and less as it outgasses.
There are at least a half dozen types of plywood used for different purposes, bonded with urea-formaldehyde resin (the one you want to avoid) or the less toxic phenol-formaldehyde resin the OK one because they have to be waterproof.
Furniture and cabinets are made with what is called “furniture grade” or “cabinets grade” plywood, which simply means there are no knot holes or imperfections in the outer layer of the wood on both sides. It does NOT refer to the type of resin used. I found that when it comes to furniture grade plywood, it can be made with either urea-formaldehyde resin or phenol-formaldehyde resin. The only way to know is to contact the manufacturer.
I purchased a sheet of “furniture grade” plywood at Lowe’s and it had no odor at all.
I would suggest that you check to see what resin was used to make the plywood if possible.
In general, plywood is considered to have less outgassing than particleboard.
I was wondering also if anyone knows if there is such a thing as formaldehyde free plywood for sub-floors. I know there is a PureBond brand from Home Depot but they said that type of panel wasn’t suitable for sub-floors. I was also wondering if the plywood today is lower in formaldehyde than 30 years ago.
Brenda
Debra’s Answer
There is some info on different types of plywood at Q&A: Particleboard vs Plywood, but no info on which particular brands are suitable for subfloors. Readers, which formaldehyde-free plywoods have you used for subfloors?
The plywood today is lower in formaldehyde than 30 years ago.
Here are some links about formaldehyde-free plywood that might help you make a decision:
Milk paint made "with up to 99% food grade ingredients. Milk casien (as in yogurt), titanium dioxide (as in powdered donuts), food grade emulsifiers and preservatives (as in milkshakes and chocolates…we import our pigments from Germany, now the cutting edge of eco-responsibility in manufacturing." Paint can be custom colormatched to any item or paint colors made by other companies. Cannot be used on walls that will come in direct contact with water (such as kitchens and bathrooms).
I live in a Michelama building in NYC built in the 1960’s. The apartment below is renovating. They are doing tiling in the bathroom, and will be putting down flooring with VOC containing glue, installing kitchen cabinetry, painting and priming with water-based Benjamin Moore paint.
During the first week we experienced terrible fumes when they were priming their walls. This past week we had bad fumes from the bathroom when they were doing tiling. We have sealed up our wall vents, door jambs, and unused electric outlets. We still get fumes for several days after work is done below. We have also purchased a Blueair hepa filter.
The building staff has been cooperative with information regarding scheduling so I can evacuate my apartment at appropriate times. They are also supposed to be keeping the windows open in the apartment below. I close my windows during the day when they are working and open my windows at night.
I believe that the biggest concerns are from the non-VOC glue and the paint. I’m not sure about demolition of linoleum tiles on the floor or old cabinetry; plastering; priming walls; and bathroom tiling compounds. I’m also concerned about lead or asbestos or other dust particulate that could be released from demolition.
I have been told that there are performance and cost issues with the water-based floor glues. I’d like to know the extent of this before I make a personal request or anonymous complaint. I’m not sure if the new tenant has been asked yet to switch to non-VOC containing paint and glue but the contractor will be using a very large fan on the days they plan to use these products. As well as keeping windows open.
Debra’s Answer
This is one of the problems of living in an apartment building.
From what you describe, I myself probably wouldn’t stay in the apartment while this construction is going on. Sounds like the building staff is being cooperative. Maybe you could talk with them more about the use of nontoxic materials.
One thing you didn’t mention is the use of heat to outgas everything faster. That won’t handle the fumes from installation, but will greatly reduce the ongoing outgassing.
I am trying to make some type of bedding to sleep on,I was thinking to buy some cotton fabric at the fabric store to make blankets with (NOT ORGANICI cant tolerate it)
Is the cotton fabric you buy on a role treated with flame retardant as well ?And if so what is the safest cotton to use? and what about cotton canvas does this have a finish?
I read also that you said the pesticides in natural cotton batting remain-so what can I use for filling for a pillow? i know polyester batting is toxic-
Thanks
Susan
Debra’s Answer
Whether or not cotton fabric is treated with flame retardant depends on the fabric. Cotton fabric sold “on a roll” is generally upholstery fabric and would be more likely to have a fire retardant than fabric sold to make clothing. Upholstery fabrics are usually well-labeled and might say that they have fire retardants if they do.
Cotton canvas is generally used for more rugged applications, like tote bags, etc, so does not have permanent press finishes and probably not fire retardants.
I suggest you use rolled up cotton terrycloth towels for pillow stuffing.
Get a small sample of whatever cotton fabric you are considering and test it before buying a lot of fabric to make blankets. Why not just buy cotton blankets ready-made?
It’s getting to be that time of year where flies become a problem, so I thought I’d pass along this tip a reader sent me.
We went out with friends on Sunday for breakfast and sat in the patio section beside the house. We happened to notice zip lock baggies pinned to a post and a wall. The bags were half filled with water, each contained 4 pennies, and they were zipped shut. Naturally we were curious! Ms. Sweety told us that these baggies kept the flies away! So naturally we were even more curious! We actually watched some flies come in the open window, stand around on the window sill, and then fly out again. And there were no flies in the eating area! I checked this out on Google. Below are comments on this fly control.
Zip-lock water bags
Ann Says: I tried the ziplock bag and pennies this weekend.. I have a horse trailer. The flies were bad while I was camping. I put the baggie with pennies above the door of the LQ. NOT ONE FLY came in the trailer. The horse trailer part had many. Not sure why it works but it does!
Danielle Martin Says:
Fill a ziplock bag with water and 5 or 6 pennies and hang it in the problem area. In my case it was a particular window in my home. It had a slight passage way for insects. Every since I have done that, it has kept flies and wasps away. Some say that wasps and flies mistake the bag for some other insect nest and are threatened.
Maggie Says: I swear by the plastic bag of water. I have them on porch and basement. We saw these in Northeast Mo. at an Amish grocery store & have used them since. They say it works because a fly sees a reflection & won’t come around.
DJ Says: Regarding the science behind zip log bags of water? My research found that the millions of molecules of water presents its own prism effect and given that flies have a lot of eyes, to them it’s like a zillion disco balls reflecting light, colors and movement in a dizzying manner. When you figure that flies are prey for many other bugs, animals, birds, etc., they simply won’t take the risk of being around that much perceived action. I moved to a rural area and thought these “hillbillies” were just yanking my city boy chain but I tried it and it worked immediately! We went from hundreds of flies to seeing the occasional one, but he didn’t hang around long.
I’m going to try this myself when the flies start coming out.
I saw a live demonstration of this product at the Natural Products Expo and I really liked it. You may have seen similar kits sold in malls that allow you to buff your nails to get a shiny polished look on your nails. This kit costs more, but it is a medical grade kit that actually makes your nails stronger and healthier in addition to giving them a beautiful shine. The shine also lasted longer than the cheaper kits. If you have a problem with split nails or cracking cuticles, this kit will help your nails heal naturally.
No-VOC paints are "Green Seal certified, are usually solvent-free (zero VOC), and never contain chemicals that are suspected carcinogens. This means that the indoor air remains free of harmful chemicals and odors thus providing a direct benefit to anyone that comes into contact with the products."
I have tried looking for the water-based ink markers and cannot find them. What are they supposed to look like and are there different name brands? What does the package look like? The only markers we have are the toxic ones.
Debra’s Answer
There are different name brands and they depend on what kind of markers you are looking for. Crayola and Prang water-based markers for children are sold at drug and discount stores everywhere.
I have some fine-point Pentel Color Pens. The link I gave here is to a set sold at Staples, but I can often buy them individually at art supply stores.
My favorite water-based writing pen is Pilot Precise V5 Rolling Ball, which you can get at any office supply store like Staples or Office Depot.
Being the dog lover that I am, I want to post this article about recent EPA reports regarding the harmful nature of topical pet flea treatments. Here is the link:
When you are putting one of these flea treatments on your pet, you are exposing him to pesticides!!! Your vet may tell you it is safe, but here we are many years into doing it, and the EPA is discovering it may be dangerous to their wellbeing. There are safer alternatives, perhaps a bit more effort, but in my opinion there is no amount of effort that is too much for my beloved pets.
Thank you Debra for providing a place for things like this.
Hello Debra ! I have a few 100% wool blankets from Ayers in Quebec that I inherited a long time ago that date back to the 50’s or 60’s. The tag says: Moth proof. I really loved these blankets as it is so hard nowadays to get such heavy and warm wool blankets (or if you do, you might have to pay 300$). Do you think they are still toxic, even after 50+ years to have in our home ?
To paraphrase, it says the chemical used to mothproof wool is Mitin FF, which is added to the yarn in the dye bath. It adheres to the yarn in a similar way as the dye does. So, like dye, the chemical will not rub off or wash off in normal cleaning or dry cleaning. Mitin FF is a pesticide that works by killing the moth larvae when they ingest and digest the wool protein. So it doesn’t prevent moth larvae from eating your wool 100%, but it does stop them from doing a lot of damage.
Mitin FF has been used as a pesticide in the United States since 1948 and is used exclusively for mothproofing wool. It is considered to be “low to moderately toxic” and to have “low mammalian toxicity.”
I would venture to assume that your blankets are mothproofed with Mitin FF. Given that it was not very toxic to begin with, I would say there is little, if any, danger now.
Yesterday I had lunch with my friend Gloria and she ordered tea. It was Mighty Tea brand, and the tea came in one of those “silken” tea bags.
“What is this tea bag made of?” she asked. I didn’t know. But I found out this morning.
They are made of cornstarch. And they are 100% biodegradable.
Turns out that Mighty Tea originated those silken tea bags some years ago. While many other brands now use the silken bags, some use glue or staples to seal their bags while the Mighty Leaf pouches are stitched with an unbleached cotton string.
Founded in 1975 by William J. Rea, M.D., AEHF is a nonprofit organization founded to do research and provide education about multiple chemical sensitivities. This is funded in part through proceeds from their on-line store, which carries nearly 1500 environmentally safe products for the home and office, including: organic cotton clothing and bedding, personal care products, pollutant detection kits, charcoal and ceramic masks, household cleaning products, vitamin and mineral supplements, ar filters and purifiers, safe paints, sealers, and stains, adhesives, water filtration systems and saunas.
"A nontoxic, creative solution for beautiful interior finishes." Natural earth plasters that allow you to add color to your walls without paint. Plaster and color packets are sold separately, so you can literally create any color you can imagine. The plaster gives a soft texture and natural feel to walls that cannot be achieved with paint. Can be used on most wall surfaces.
Is “tinned steel” safe to use? I am in the process of replacing various bakeware in my kitchen. I came across some “tinned steel” pie pans and tart pans at Sur La Table and am wondering if these are safe to use?
Debra’s Answer
I already answered this question at http://www.greenlivingqa.com/content/tin-bakeware-safe , but since writing this, I’ve had more experience with tin. I had some tin-lined copper cookware that did not hold up to wear very well. One of the pots needed to be retinned in a very short time, so I suspect that tin may be leaching into the food. Again, how harmful that might be, I don’t know. If you’re only using it for an occasional tart, that’s not the same as it being used three times a day.
New studies on nano-sized titanimum dioxide show degrees of DNA damage and genetic instability that can be “linked to all the big killers of man, namely cancer, heart disease, neurological disease and aging,”
Close to 10,000 over-the-counter products use it in one form or another. It’s “in everything from medicine capsules and nutritional supplements, to food icing and additives, to skin creams, oils and toothpaste.”
“Other nanomaterials have also been shown in published, peer-reviewed studies…to potentially cause harm as well. Researchers have found, for instance, that carbon nanotubes — widely used in many industrial applications — can penetrate the lungs more deeply than asbestos and appear to cause asbestos-like, often-fatal damage more rapidly. Other nanoparticles, especially those composed of metal-chemical combinations, can cause cancer and birth defects; lead to harmful buildups in the circulatory system; and damage the heart, liver and other organs of lab animals.”
The article goes on to give a great overview of nanotechnology, including a chart showing relative sizes of particles in nanometers.
Worth reading.
This article is actually the first in a series on nanotechnology. Here are links to the rest of the articles:
Colorful candles made from 100% palm wax–with and without scent. Only pure essential oils are used for the scented candles. Good background information about palm wax.
I have used all natural Zeolite Powder by the Dasun Company (also their zeolite bags) for many years. They are now out of business. Does anyone know where I can find these? Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
Zeolite is still alive and well and available to use as an adsorbant to remove chemicals, metals, and even radioactive materials from the air. I wrote all about it on page 130 of my book Home Safe Home. If you want to learn more about zeolite, check out this website: The Zeolite Group of Minerals. To purchase zeolite powder for odor control, visit these websites: Bramton Company Zeolite Odor Removing Granules and Bear River Zeolite. While searching for these links, I noticed that zeolite is now being sold for body detoxification. I have no experience using this, but it makes sense to me that if it adsorbs pollutants from the air, it would also adsorb them from the body. I saw lots of “liquid zeolite” being sold for this purpose as well as powder. Liquid zeolite does not make sense to me, as it is the adsorbant ability of the mineral itself that does the adsorbing, a liquid just mechanically wouldn’t do that as far as I can see.
A friend of mine has mcs and will be needing cataract surgery and is concerned about the acrylics and silicone that are used for the replacement. Does anyone have any suggestions/ideas?
I special ordered white American Hardwood blinds. I got them in November and although there is no longer a strong smell, my nose burns when I sit near them and I’ve been getting headaches. My husband and two toddlers don’t seem bothered by these blinds, but because these are in my kid’s bedrooms I’m concerned about the effects of the paint.
The company I bought them from told me that I could cure in the smell by washing the blinds with Murphy’s oil or Lemon Pledge. My concern is that this will smell worse.
I’m wondering if they could still be off-gassing? Do you think they may need more time to completely offgas?
Thanks so much Debra!!
Ronda
Debra’s Answer
It can take quite a while for wood finishes to completely cure, especially in colder weather. Finishes can cause symptoms, even if you can’t smell the finish. Even though finishes can be “dry to the touch,” they are still curing and still releasing chemicals. I suggest heat, as heat makes the chemicals outgass faster. I would take down the blinds and hang them in a small room, like the bathroom, if you have a second bathroom. Then place a couple of space heaters in the bathroom, and “bake out” the finish. Personally, I wouldn’t wash them with Murphy’s or Lemon Pledge. These could add additional odors and wouldn’t actually contribute to drying out the finish, which is what is required to end the outgassing.
We just finished laying ceramic tile in our bedroom and sealed the grout with Acri-Soy grout sealer. It is made by www.ecosafetyproducts.com. It supposed to contain no voc’s and be non-toxic. A couple of days before we sealed the grout my husband had painted the baseboards in the same bedroom with Olympic Premium no voc paint. It has been several days and the room smells so bad that I can’t go into it.
Has anyone had experience with either the Acri Soy or Olympic? I am in the process of “baking” the room right now.
At one time I found a chart on a DLD123.com page that showed the best level of humidity for my home based on 4 or 5 crossing lines showing the levels for dust mites, mold, household chemical interaction, and more, etc. If I remember correctly, the chart showed a “best” optimum level for home humidity. I wonder if that chart is still available and where I might find it.
My question is how to store sweaters safely without using toxic vinyl bags. I know to wash the sweaters and freeze if there are signs of moth eggs or cases, which I have done, but now I am wondering how to store them so moths absolutely can not get at them. The cedar balls, etc. do not work well enough, and of course I don’t want to use mothballs. The sweaters must be in some kind of sealed container. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Michelle M.
Debra’s Answer
I have some polypropylene bags, which are plastic but do not have toxic fumes, that are like giant ziplock sandwich bags. They work very well. But if you want something that is not plastic, I’m not sure what to suggest. Readers, what are your suggestions?
After reading your great book and using it to completely detoxify our current home, we now have found ourselves in a position where we will have to move. 🙁
We have found a home deal that is really too good to pass up financially, whereby we would purchase a brand new built home. Unfortunately the most this company can offer as to nontoxicity is low VOC paint inside. I know about “baking the house” before moving in, but you have typically suggested this with a green home.
Are there additional steps or suggestions for a home that isn’t green built? We will request all hardwoods throughout and I know they don’t use an adhesive to put them down. I also know they use the blown in cellulose insulation. And I know we will paint it with a zero VOC paint weeks before we move in and before we bake it. But unfortunatley there are some obvious downsides we can’t get away from.
First are the vinyl windows with no option of wood or aluminum upgrades (nor would we be able to do this on our own until waaay down the road.) Second, they use some sort of PEX piping for the water which is supposed to be a softer type plastic. They claim less leaching than copper but I feel worried. We can’t afford to replace all the piping but my husband suggsted mybe we could at least replace the pipes that carry the drinking water with copper for now.
And I am sure there are a multitude of other toxics associated with new home building. So I would truly value your input, are we crazy for going brand new?? Help! What can we do to make it better?
Debra’s Answer
I completely understand. But to address this is beyond the scope of this blog. I’d have to write a book to cover everything that might be in a new home.
We can talk about this over the phone in a paid telephone consultation. That way you can describe to me what is in the home and we can address those specific items, rather than have me write out all the possibilities.
Readers, if any of you have experience detoxifying a new home, please write and tell us what you did.
I just need to say, there are so many toxic things in a new home, I don’t even look at them, personally. I understand this may look good financially, but it might cause more expensive problems to your health in the long run.
Our home has a lot of particle board cabinets with white laminate, is there something non toxic I could use to seal it and prevent glue molecules from leaching into the air?
Debra’s Answer
I don’t think it’s necessary to seal your cabinets. If laminate is covering the particleboard, I don’t think formaldehyde will go through the laminate. Nor would glue molecules leach through laminate. If you do have any exposed particleboard. AFM Enterprises makes a product called
I finally found a pair of all wool pants but they have acetate lining. I looked up acetate and found that it is made from wood pulp mixed with acetic acid and other ingredients. Do you have an opinion about acetate?
Thanks!
Sue
Debra’s Answer
Acetate is a regenerated cellulose fiber, like rayon, Tencel, Modal, bamboo, Cupra…Personally, I don’t like the way these fabrics feel and some people have problems with skin rashes, so you need to decide for yourself. It’s a natural source, but chemically processed.
I was wondering if you or anybody have every heard of Cupro. I have seen it a lot in my favorite organic designer but will not buy anything that is listed as Cupro because I do not know enough about. The last thing I want to do is spend a lot of money on something and then later decide that it is toxic because of the way it is processed or that is not natural. Any information would be useful. Thanks!
Hello, I just bought a piece of Fumigated Antique Wood Furniture Imported from India. The piece is a 3-door cabinet. The off-gassing is very strong. I have a Blue Air purifier system running right next to the furniture with the doors open. I’m hoping this will help to absorb the fumes. According to my acupuncturist, I do have a weak liver so I avoid chemicals as much as possible. Does anyone have any suggestions on additional methods to expedite the off-gassing? And would it be helpful – or more toxic – to apply clorox? I only use non-toxic cleaning supplies so that would seem ironic but it was suggested by the furniture retailer. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
I’m all for safety standards for children’s products, however, this particular revision would attempt to solve a safety problem with another problem: it would require users of bassinets and cradles to use the mattress that comes with the bassinet or cradle. The problem with this is that these mattresses are generally made of toxic polyurethane foam with a waterproof vinyl cover that contains pthalates, currently one of the major chemicals of greatest concern.
If this regulation is approved, parents will no longer have the choice to replace the toxic mattress that comes with a bassinet or cradle with a safe, natural mattress, more suited to their personal preferences. This regulation not only would take away parents’ freedom of choice, but also would force them to expose their most vulnerable babies to a toxic product most hours of the day.
This is insane.
Also last week, I read an opinion piece published in the New York Times from a farmer who described how he could not grow fruits and vegetables on his land for local consumption because of a law.
…the federal government works deliberately and forcefully to prevent the local food movement from expanding. And the barriers that the United States Department of Agriculture has put in place will be extended when the farm bill that House and Senate negotiators are working on now goes into effect. As a small organic vegetable producer in southern Minnesota, I know this because my efforts to expand production to meet regional demand have been severely hampered by the Agriculture Department’s commodity farm program. As I’ve looked into the politics behind those restrictions, I’ve come to understand that this is precisely the outcome that the program’s backers in California and Florida have in mind: they want to snuff out the local competition before it even gets started.
Again, insane.
Laws should be made that require citizens to take actions that support their individual health and sustain the environment that supports all of our lives collectively. If a law were to require parents to use a particular mattress, it should be made with organically-grown natural fibers and other nontoxic materials. If there were a law requiring farmers to grow particular foods, the number one requirement should be a variety of foods organically grown for local consumption first, and if there is any land left after that, it could be used for commodity crops to be shipped elsewhere.
We need the support of health and the environment to be the number one motivating factor in the making of laws and regulations.
In the past, I have always felt that I had a choice as a consumer–that I could choose the nontoxic or green product if it was available. These laws, and others, restrict our good choices. That directly works against our fundamental human right “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” (as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights). We should all have the right by our very existence to choose to be alive and healthy, and not have manufacturers or government or anyone else force us to impair this birthright. The right to choose to be alive is a fundamental freedom. Today it is illegal to assist another in taking their own life when they have a terminal illness, yet it is perfectly legal to sell products that contribute to the creation of terminal illnesses, without warnings on product labels.
Right in my own backyard, I can’t even raise chickens for eggs because it’s against a city ordinance.
Our forefathers founded this country to be by the people and for the people. The intent was for us to have the freedom to create the country WE want to have. It’s time we use that power to make laws that work for us instead of against us.
I just saw a news report about ten fish oil supplement manufacturers that are being sued for selling fish oil capsules that contain unsafe levels of PCB’s. The report claimed that some of these manufacturers say on their labels that their products are PCB free, but when these brands were tested, unsafe levels of PCB’s were found. Do you or your readers know of safe brands of fish oils that don’t contain PCB’s or heavy metals?
I need Queen Bed for that will handle sleepers over 250 lbs. as well as help with my severe lower SI back issues. I lost a large amount of inches and therefore lost my extra “cushion” around my waist and backside. Therefore, I can feel most everything when sleeping, whether on my side, back or stomach. I need a bed that will give my back and/or side the support it needs without breaking down in 5 years.
I have tried plush feather overlays (too soft). I have tried memory foam (could feel the curves of the indentations on the foam). And I don’t know what to do. I know I need a new bed, but cannot get any straight answers on what I really need.
Debra’s Answer
Anyone have a similar experience and a solution to share?
We just moved into our first home, so all this is new to me. I’m so scared of getting sick.
We’re installing a shower into the corner of the bathroom. I want to do all tile. The contractor said we could save some money if we used a pre-made, square, shower floor and do tiles just on the walls.
He said he didn’t notice any smells from these floors. Does anyone here have any experience with these?
I’m looking for a safe, product list that I can just hand to the contractor. I’ve never done anything like this in my life. Tile and grout should be safe. I know that I need non-toxic, latex-free grout (we redid some kitchen tiles with this and it worked great). I have no idea what else is involved. We’ll probably need to do some plumbing, but he looked under the house and everything looks good, so I think we’ll just need the shower hardware. Is there anything that I should be aware of like welding materials?
Also, we have an old, claw-foot bathtub with some chips around the drain. The contractor mentioned doing the shower first and then reglazing the entire tub in the summer and putting it outside to outgas (we have some space under the house). I was told by the house inspector when we bought the house that we could get the porcelain repaired. I haven’t been able to find anyone who can do a non-toxic spot repair or even specifically a porcelain repair person.
Will fumes seep up through the floor if the tub is under the house? There’s a large space under there with just a dirt floor.
Debra’s Answer
My best recommendation is to use all tile in the shower. You don’t mention what material the shower floor is, but they are usually fiberglass or acrylic. We did a bathroom remodel a few years ago and did a shower with a tile floor and walls and are very happy with it.
I quit dying my hair a few years ago because of the chemicals. I found out that I was a lot grayer than I thought I would be, the sides were 100% white. I actually received many compliments on it. About six months ago I really started making a lot more changes in my life after seeing a specilist. I am eating healthier, almost all organic and no processed foods, using the Himalayan Sea Salt and avoiding as many toxins as I can. I have been fragrant free for years.
About 4 months ago I started to see dark hair starting to appear on the sides that were pure white. I mentioned it to others and they were not sure. Now when they see me they just shake there heads, my hair is 50% back to my dark color. My husbands hair is also getting more color but not as much.
Has anyone else experienced this and does anyone have any idea why this might happen.
Debra’s Answer
Well this sounds wonderful. Another reason to live naturally!
"Web Hosting As Nature Intended". Their office and data center is powered by 120 real solar panels, not green energy certificates, solar tubes bring in natural light into the office during the day, and their AMD Opteron powered servers use sixty percent less energy and generate fifty percent less heat. Very affordable prices, too.
Twice a year the maintenance people in my building put a couple algae tablets into our air conditioners. Do you know whether these are toxic and therefore I should have them removed or if they are nontoxic and beneficial as they told me?
Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
I’ve never heard of this. Algae isn’t toxic per se. Anyone have any more info or experience with these?
I have heard cooking with olive oil can be toxic when it smokes from the pan. I have also heard that the NON extra virgin is better for cooking because it can take high heat better and the cold pressed extra virgin should be used for salad eaten raw . What do you think?
Debra’s Answer
All the various oils withstand heat in different ways. There is an excellent guide on which oil to use for which temperature at Spectrum Oils Kitchen Guide.
As to whether olive oil is toxic when it smokes, well, it’s burned, and most things produce toxic substances when they burn. For high heat cooking, coconut oil is an excellent choice.
I need to do some caulking and have been looking at the MSDS for Elmer’s caulking. There are two products that appear to be less toxic than most other brands. One is the All Purpose White Acrylic Latex and the White Squeeze and Caulk. Has anyone else had any experience with either of these? I have included the links to the MSDS for both. Thank you for any help or advice that you can offer.
Actually both of these look good in comparison to other caulks. All of the hazardous ingredients listed are listed because they are dust hazards for workers who are making the product, but not a hazard for the end user because the dust is bound up with other ingredients. Also the health hazard is rated 1, which is slight. I’m going to look for these next time we need to caulk.
Bodycare products made with organic and natural food ingredients–the ingredients list sounds like a recipe! A typical product contains plant oils, vitamins, honey and various plant extracts. All kinds of yummy skin care and…fruit-pigmented cosmetics! No added fragrances. All products are vegetarian or vegan.
My husband bought himself some Stonyfield Organic OIKOS Greek Yogurt, Blueberry flavor and I don’t allow him to eat it in the house because when he ate the first one the smell was potent for me. Here are the ingredients, let me know if there is something wrong with it. Cultured pasterized organic blueberries, natural flavor, pectin, organic elderberry juice concentrate (for color), contains five live active cultures: S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus and L Casei. The package also says Certified Organic by QAI. I know it has live cultures, but what about the other ingredients. If this is not a good yogurt for him to eat, could you recommend one for him? Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
I don’t see anything wrong with this yogurt, in fact, it looks really good. The ingredients list doesn’t include milk–maybe you forgot to type it–but I’m impressed that it is sweetened with organic blueberries instead of sugar (though it would be healthier if the blueberries weren’t pasturized) and there’s a good selection of active cultures.
As a rule, I personally only buy plain yogurt and then add whatever I want to it. This Greek-style yogurt is made by simply draining the whey from the yogurt, which you can easily do at home with any yogurt you like. I even do with with goat milk yogurt. Drain it a little for Green-style yogurt, drain it a lot to make a cream cheese. By doing it yourself, you can add any flavors you want.
My husband is fond of yogurt with fresh berries and local honey. This way, you get all the healthy qualities of fresh fruit, instead of the pasturized (cooked) fruit in the flavored yogurt.
I understand the smell bothers you, but there’s nothing harmful about it.
The woman who cooks for me told me today that she has trapped two mice and one rat in her apartment. She has complained to the owner but nothing has been done. She has a two-year old daughter and is concerned that a rat could bite her.
The manager of my apartment complex here told her to call the city (San Diego.) Obviously, one option is to move, but that would take time and money, and would involve breaking a lease. In terms of expecting the owner to do something, I am wondering what the owner could do, and is there anything non-toxic that could be done. We discussed checking for holes where the rat could have entered. Trapping may get rid of any rats that get in but would not prevent them from entering the apartment in the first place.
The subject of fumigation came up. I advised her of the danger of that, and I don’t see how that would keep the rats out anyway, at least not for long. Can you or your readers shed any light on this?
In addition to homemade recipes for skincare, I have been investigating antiwrinkle creams. It is difficult to find a safe and effective one and one that does not do animal testing. Finally, I came across a company called Xtend- Life ( xtend-life.com) their eye contour, active day and restorative nightcream appealed to me. However, as one of their ingredients is: Nanobelle Coenzyme Q10 —” a special ‘nano-emulsion’ form, which can penetrate down through seven layers of skin.”
I emailed them about its safety. This was their response:
” I understand your concern as to nano technology. I can assure you that the type of technology used to produce our Nano-Lipobelle ingredient (the only ingredient that applies this technology base) is totally natural and without detrimental effects in any way.
Here is some further info to help you….
Nanotechnology has been around a long time, only recently has it been given a name. As long as there have been crèmes and other mixtures of oils and water then this technology has been present.
How most crèmes and skincare products are made is that a water phase is dispersed in an oil phase in microscopic droplets that are too small to coalesce and separate. In the same way nanotechnology – in the common understanding – involves microscopic or even smaller particles, and like any technology it has both its positives and negatives.
Debra’s Answer
I think their explanation is confusing. If it’s nanotechnology, they should say so; if it’s in it’s natural state, it’s in its natural state. My steadfast guideline is that nature knows best. Anything we put on or in our bodies should be as close to the state in which it appears in nature as possible.
Does anyone know of any products which are safe and effective for reducing cellulite? Except for Nivea’s, (rated moderate) none of the ones listed as safe on EWG was available when I checked.
My husband painted the baseboards in our bedroom with Olympic Premium paint, which is no VOC, almost 3 weeks ago. The paint did not have much of a smell in the can but a couple of days later the smell became very strong. I have not been feeling well since then. About 10 days ago he took all of the baseboards off the wall and out of the house. He had touched up a little of the other wood trim in the room and so he sanded it to where he thought he had all of the new paint off. The room still smells horrible and I can’t go in there for long. We have tried running a space heater, leaving the windows open during the day for several days and even using cut up raw onion to try to absorb the odor. It seems that the paint has infiltrated other areas of our house as well. There is a slight odor in the rest of the house and I do not feel too well anywhere in the house. Does anyone have any other ideas?
Debra’s Answer
Keep running your space heater, as heat is the only thing that will release the odor. Keep all the doors and windows closed so it gets as warm as possible. Do this for at least eight hours, then air the room out. If the odor persists, heat the room again.
What is your opinion on Burt’s Bees hair care and body products? I’ve begun to switch to Burt’s Bees since I want products that are more natural, and have already bought a toner, deep cleansing creme, and a body lotion. I am happy with these products so far and I plan to purchase shampoo and conditioner this week. I noticed this company is not on “Debra’s List” and am wondering why.
Thank you,
Danielle
Debra’s Answer
First, just because a company is not on Debra’s List doesn’t mean it isn’t good. I’m adding links as fast as I can, but there are still more to add. For cosmetics, I’m focusing on the companies that have organic ingredients, since personal care products are absorbed into the body through the skin even more quickly that food ingested.
Burt’s Bees is a good “natural” brand, but not all the products are 100% natural and none of the ingredients are organic. One thing I like about their website is they tell you the exact ingredients and the percentage that is natural (mostly 90-something).
Given my limited time and space, I won’t be adding them to Debra’s List because of lack of organic ingredients, but they would certainly be on the list if I were including “natural” personal care products.
I moved into a condo building about 2 months ago. Shortly after moving in I noticed a pungent sweet smell (sort of like cherry lifesavers but sickly sweet and unpleasant) in the closet that houses our HVAC system. It doesn’t really smell like an air freshener, but more “chemically”. Our HVAC closet has pipes in it that run from our unit up and down to the below and above neighbors. I knocked on my neighbors’ doors and none of them noticed a similar problem. I can’t figure out what the smell is and it is completely driving me crazy. It seems to be stronger in the late afternoons and at night. It is much stronger if we open up our windows, which led me to believe that by opening the windows we were sucking air in from other inits and from thehallway and that this was causing the problem to exacerbate. When the windows are closed for days the smell dissipates substantially. So I recently purchased an Austin Air Healthmate plus air purifier thinking it would help but it appears to be making the problem worse. This may be due to the fact that the air purifier also sucks in air and is therefore pulling air into the HVAC closet and therefore in our apartment. Do you or any of your readers have any ideas what it might be? Do you have suggestions for how we could figure out what it could be? And do you have any suggestions about what we could do (short of moving) to fix the smell problem? Any suggestions would be very appreciated as we have an infant and are very concerned with making sure that the air she breathes is clean and healthy.
Debra’s Answer
I’m not sure what it might be, but you say that it dissipates if the windows are closed. Can you keep the windows closed? I was a little unclear about where the windows are in relation to the HVAC closet.
Readers, anyone have a similar experience? What did you do?
Well after using Seventh Generation Free and Clear for the last year and a half. I decided to look for something else as I been reacting pretty bad from it lately.
After searching around and checking the list here, I called up Charlie’s Soap. They claimed there is no added scent, and no scent to the product. I received my powder the other day, and I have to say it has a pretty strong smell to it, enough so that I put it in a ziploc bag so it doesn’t spread through out the house.
I did a load of towels with it and a couple old shirts, I can’t really detect any smell in the clothing thankfully. I just worry how safe it is for Asthma and MCS. The clothes did come out nice and soft and clean though, and the first day I wore something it seemed ok, but today I been kind of itchy, so I don’t know yet.
Anyone else have opinions on Charlie’s soap? Or any other soap they use and recommend.
In the past I’ve tried:
Arm & Hammer essentials unscented: I had severe rashes from just brief exposure to stuff washed in it. Also after 2 washes and extra rinses the test shirts I washed were still unwearable.
Debra’s Answer
Readers?
I just want to comment here that all of these soaps mentioned are not particularly toxic, the question here is that the reader needs to find a soap that he individually does not react to.
We have a vinyl waterbed (Somma) which consists of vinyl tubes filled with water, in a large plastic tray, covered with a vinyl covering, with a foam that fits over the tubes, sitting on a box spring. It is about 20 years old, and was my husband’s prior to our marriage. I don’t like the smell of vinyl and this vinyl smells like vinyl notebooks (which is a smell that is nauseating to me). I didn’t notice the vinyl smell coming from the waterbed until recently when we got a wool mattress topper and placed it on top of the waterbed mattress. We were flipping the wool topper and I noticed the strong smell of vinyl right there between the topper and the mattress.
Apparently for years we have been smelling this strong vinyl offgassing (didn’t notice it though until the topper sat on top of it), including my small children who slept in the bed with us many times over the years. I want to take the vinyl tubes and mattress which cover them off and place our topper over the box springs because I now know this really offgasses even after 20 years. My husband loves the bed and won’t hear of it. Until one of our children grows out and vacates a bedroom that I can move my husband’s bed into (I will be saving for an entire wool bed and should have enough by then), it sounds like I am stuck with this sickening vinyl bed.
How toxic is this? I don’t want to sleep on this another 3 years, but really have no choice. We haven’t saved for the entire wool bed yet, and he wants to keep the Somma waterbed for his entire life. (When he bought it they told him he would not ever need to purchase another, that this will last forever.) Is there anything that I can place under the wool topper that would be a barrier like one of those mylar space blankets?
Thank you for your help.
Debra’s Answer
Yes, a mylar space blanket would help, but every part of the bed would need to be wrapped, not just the mattress.
The problem with vinyl is that is contains and outgasses pthalates. They are added to hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to soften it into flexible vinyl. They are not covalently bound to the plastic matrix and therefore easily outgas. You might tell your husband that according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, DEHP (the most widely used pthalate) “has been shown to…reduce testosterone” and “commonly used phthalates may undervirilize humans.” Perhaps he’ll think twice about keeping his vinyl bed.
I have started testing composite filling materials in my mouth prior to my amalgam replacement to see which filling material I react least to. So far I have tried 4 different materials and within a few minutes of putting any one of them in my mouth I start salivating excessively. Is that an allergic reaction to them? None of them cause me any itching or the like.
I have a similar reaction to emfs. In that any exposure to emfs causes me to salivate. The longer I am exposed to teh emf the stronger the salivation. Could the filling materials be causing an enhanced battery affect in my mouth similar to the one caused by the emf?
I am looking to get my amalgams removed in short order. In the interim I want to start doing some Epsom Salt/Sea salt soaks to detox. I want to dechlorinate the water I soak myself in and I came across some Vitamin C dechlorination tablets.
The following link provides some information about them –
http://spriteshowerfilters.com/vitabath.htm
Does anyone have an idea if they are an effective mechanism to dechlorinate water?
Thanks very much for your help.
Debra’s Answer
I personally have no experience with these. There has been a lot written on this blog about the use of vitamin C to remove chloramines (search on ‘vitamin C’ to find it). but I don’t know about chlorine.
I do know that a activated carbon water filter will remove chlorine and you can get them for less than $50 at any home improvement store.
Dear Debra – I have been reading a lot about Nano Tex. It is used on almost everything: clothing, furniture, luggage, etc., to repel stains and water. It is actually built into the fabric, not sprayed on. It has been approved by the EPA. Do you know anything about this?
Debra’s Answer
I haven’t been able to find anything related to health effects of Nano-Tex and I’ve never seen a fabric that has had it applied. As you say, it’s an alteration of the fabric itself, not applied as a finish. Has anyone had any experience with this?
My wife and I recently bought a cheap area rug from Target. We learned you get what you pay for!!
For about two weeks, there was a rubbery odor that I now know (after doing a lot of reading on your website) was probably the off-gassing from the backing of the carpet. My son had trouble sleeping and lots of congestion.
We got rid of the carpet a few days ago, but now the problem is that the smell has actually gotten worse. It’s like the chemical has seeped into the 50 year old wooden floor. I’ve scrubbed it with Murphy’s Oil Soap and another hardwood floor cleaner, left the windows open, and nothing seems to help.
Any ideas about how to get rid of the smell? It is actually overpowering – especially at night when the heat kicks on. We are new to learning all about the toxic chemicals all around us in our house – but becoming quick converts! Greg in CT
Debra’s Answer
I was about to write for you to use heat to release the odor, then I read that the odor is worse at night when the heat kicks on. That’s actually a good sign.
I suggest that you turn on the heat to the highest setting, then everyone leave the house for the day. When you come back, open the windows and air out the house. You may need to do this a few times, but heat should handle it. The heat is causing the fumes to be released from the flooring.
Can anyone recommend a NON-organic sheet manufactured in the US? (The “Still Made in the USA” web site has no companies that manufacture sheets.)
Organic cotton doesn’t remove cotton tannin (dust). I am sensitive to that.
The Fieldcrest sheets that were made in the U.S. (went bankrupt in 2003) had such a wonderful Pima cotton sheet. Today the Fieldcrest label has sheets manufactured from Pakistan, which have an odd odor that won’t seem to wash out.
I have been contemplating buying an Italian sheet, but am concerned about international fumigation on exports, which I have been reading about in connection with the textile industry.
If anyone has bought a non-organic sheet made in the US within the past three years, please let me know! Thank you.
Have you had any experience with fabrics with this certification? Not all the fabrics are natural fibers but supposedly are tested for harmful and/or toxic substances. I’m looking for fabric to have make into slipcovers that will be washable. What are your thoughts on polyester fabrics or combination poly cotton as an option? I have found a denim like cotton but I’m looking for something with a pattern to mix and match to increase options. Any other recommendations.Thank You.
Debra’s Answer
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or ֫o-Tex Standard 100 is an international testing and certification system for textiles, developed in 1992.
It centers around a list of harmful substances used in textile production, which are tested for. The list of harmful substances is based on the latest scientific findings and is continually updated. The test samples are tested by the independent Oeko-Tex institutes for
There are four Oeko-Tex product classes:
If all components of a textile product comply with the requirements of the Oeko-Tex criteria catalogue without exception, the textile manufacturer receives certification and is entitled to use the Oeko-Tex label on their product. The Oeko-Tex certificate is issued for a period of one year and can be extended subject to further successful testing. In order to ensure ongoing compliance with the test criteria, the authorised Oeko-Tex Institutes carry out control tests every year on a minimum of 15% of all certificates issued on Oeko-Tex products currently being sold.
It’s my understanding that the certification only applies to the toxicity of the products, and no other environmental factors. I would say that if the certification is given to a synthetic fabric, such as polyester, it would have been manufactured in a way that does not contain any of the list of harmful substances. But it still would be made from nonrenewable petroleum and not be biodegradble, which are not considerations with this certification.
I still opt for organically grown natural fibers as the best choice all around for health and the environment. But the Oko-Tex 100 standard would guarantee that a textile meets the standards given for presence of harmful substances.
I am shopping for a natural/organic mattress. I have read for several hours the posts here and I am still confused. I believe that I would do well with a natural latex bed, as I have a back/neck pain and need some support. I was considering a wool mattress too, but I have sensitivity/allergy to wool. My mom has a deadly allergy to wool – it seems to run in the family.
I was in a furniture store yesterday and saw “Natural Care” by Simmons www.naturalcarebed.com for sale. I am wondering if anybody tried/experienced this mattress and is it truly chemical free or what kind of fire retardant do they use. I have bought a new mattress “Miralux” only
Debra’s Answer
Natural beds have become so popular that major mattress companies such as Simmons are now making mattresses design to meet that consumer interest. This one was even designed and endorsed by Danny Seo, a “celebrity” green advocate. So it really looks like someone “in-the-know” says it’s OK.
Unfortunately, this mattress has some shortcomings. It’s taking a step in the right direction by using some green materials, but not enough.
The website lists their “natural and sustainable” ingredients.
Among them are the following.
This is simply an effort to make a product that will appeal to consumers who want green products, without actually making a green product.
A company called Cuddledown offers many Oeko-Tex certified bed linens. We are looking at a “down alternative” comforter and/or blanket. Their description is:
Debra’s Answer
How sharp you are for noticing this!
I would say from their description that their synthetic fill is just like any other. How toxic is it? Not tremendously, but I don’t use synthetic fibers of any kind as they are made from nonrenewable resources, not biodegradable, and may have chemicals used in their manufacture I don’t even know about. Synthetic fibers are also known to weaken the body’s electromagnetic energy fields, which is different from damaging cells, but affects health nonetheless.
Last fall I had the opportunity to go to a trade show in Germany and a lot of bedding was made with Oeko-Tek certified fabrics used as covers over other questionable fillings. It’s a step in the right direction, but since there are products that are safe and green through and through, I prefer to choose those.
I have found your website and blog so helpful as I move to reduce toxins in my home and life. Thank you!
I just purchased a set of 100% bamboo sheets and I’m in love with them. They are light and silky and are a “green” choice being a sustainable natural fiber. I’m wondering though, if they are treated with formaldehyde or other toxins as are standard cotton sheets. There is of course no indication on the packaging (only reads 100% bamboo, imported from China). I bought them through a large catalog/online retailer who can’t offer any details beyond what’s on the packaging.
I thought you may know if it is common for bamboo fabrics and linens to be chemically treated or if I should return them and choose organic cotton instead.
Thanks, LMH
Debra’s Answer
I believe they are not chemically treated, but I don’t know for sure. There seems to be not a lot of information about the processing and manufacture of bamboo fabrics.
My assumption would be that they are not treated because they are being marketed as a natural product. I don’t have bamboo sheets myself but I have seen samples of them and they do not appear to be treated to me.
If you want to be absolutely sure of no chemicals in your bedding, choose organic cotton.
Would you use ‘green’ pans that have a PTFE-free nonstick coating? I have been seeing these in a few stores and Walmart in particular is selling a non-stick pan using NP2 technology that is suppose to be eco-friendly.
Thanks for your input.
Debra’s Answer
I’m a little wary of this coating. I’ve noticed that not all “green” nonstick coatings are the same. I personally do use the Cuisinart Green Gourmet pans sold at Bed, Bath & Beyond, but none of the others. I just can’t get enough information on the finishes.
All I can find on NP2 Technology is this press release: AkzoNobel Develops “Green” Non-Stick Coating for Cookware. It talks about being green because it uses less energy in manufacture and eliminates “non-biodegradable components” but doesn’t say anything about how toxic the finish might or might not be.
I am looking for a cheap natural twin mattress for the top of my sons bunk bed i bought him a Latex for the bottom but is was very pricey and do not want to spend that on one that only guests will use but I am very concerned with the gases in regular mattress. Any suggestions? Are their any foams out there that are safe for 3 year olds?
Debra’s Answer
I don’t know of any cheap foam that is nontoxic. But not all natural mattresses are pricey. Take a look at White Lotus Home.
I am on the hunt for a gender-neutral white wood dresser for our new baby’s room. I have been doing on-line research and it looks like Romina products are made with sustainably harvested wood, as are Oeuf and Argington. Are there any other options that I am missing? I’ve tried to find out information on LaJobi but have have not heard anything back.
I know there are a few manufacturers that adhere to stricter guidelines for cribs than dressers, which isn’t helpful for us.
Thanks!
JT
Debra’s Answer
I haven’t researched baby furniture specifically. Readers, what is your experience?
Hi, I am trying to find out if all of the Mikasa “crystal” pieces are actually leaded or are they just glass? I am trying to eliminate us using these dishes if they contain an amount of lead. We will put them in our china cabinet to enjoy them.
Cari
Debra’s Answer
I just went to the mikasa website and looked at their crystal.
I only had to look at one piece to find “24% full lead crystal” in the description. So just read the descriptions and see if you find any that aren’t lead crystal. I do see that there are some wine glasses and goblets on their website that do not say “lead crystal,” so you just have to check piece by piece.
“Crystal” glassware is so-called because it is usually cut to have facets that sparkle. And that sparkle comes from lead. So if your glassware is cut, it probably contains lead. If you know the name of your pattern, you can call Mikasa and verify it’s lead crystal.
Emerson Creek Pottery is marketing all their products as 100% lead free and non toxic, saying that the clay and even the paints used to decorate them are safe. What is your opinion or experience Debra, or anyone who has insight? They state that all pottery is made by them in the USA. This might finally be the answer to my mug search! Here is the link: emersoncreekpottery.com
I have a dilemma that I would like your opinion on and hopefully other readers have run into this issue as well. I’m a web designer and work in an office 8 hours a day, 5 days a week and recently learned that they are going to be renovating the floor where I work. Technically this is leased office space by the US government, so it is not a government-owned and operated building, but the agency I work with does have somewhat of a say in how the buildings are renovated. I am a contractor on-site and have gone through channels to try and shed some light on the decision making process, but have been told that the renovations are being carried out to OSHA and EPA standards and that they are doing nothing wrong in their choices of renovation materials. Which basically means I have no say in the air I breathe.
In the elevator lobby of my floor they have already completed new wallpaper covering and the smell is unbearable. The chlorine offgassing is so strong I have to hold my breath when I walk through the area. They have started ventilating the space which has made it much better in there, but I am deeply concerned about being around this nasty stuff 40 hours a week. They are redoing carpeting and wallpaper and in areas where there are cabinets, they are replacing them with your typical MDF, which I can already tell has plenty of formaldehyde from the smell that they emit.
Has anyone run into this issue in their place of work? How have you handled this? I have been told by my immediate supervisor (from my company, who is a contractor of the government) that any further action I take is without their support (this is of course after I went through the appropriate agency contact, in which response I’ve mentioned in the first paragraph). Since it appears that I can’t stop the renovation from happening and convincing them to choose less toxic materials (which is what my original goal was), are there any measures I can take to ensure the air I’m breathing won’t endanger my health? Air purification? VOC removal?
I suffer from mild asthma and am somewhat sensitive with allergies, mainly seasonal, but I do get headaches and dizziness when smelling the offgassing of the vinyl wallpaper. Any suggestions and similar experiences are much appreciated!
Erik
Debra’s Answer
This is why I work at home!
I understand your concern and encourage you to do whatever you can to protect your body from these toxic chemicals. I’m not sure they “are not doing anything wrong” but apparently what they are doing meets current laws, which are inadequate.
Many years ago I worked in a toxic office doing temp work, and I just brought a big air filter and put it on my desk. It was in a large open room, I didn’t have a private office. It created enough of a “cloud” of clean air that I managed to work there for a couple of weeks. And other workers would come hang out at my desk during breaks because they felt better in my cloud of clean air.
If it were me, I would find a way to not be in the building while they are doing the renovations and for some time afterwards. If you can’t work something out with them, I think it’s better to find another job than make your health worse and then have to take the time and expense to recover. Since you are a web designer, will they let you work at home?
Many people, like me, have home-based businesses. Many web designers work from home. Maybe it’s time to rethink how you work and put a healthy work environment as the number one priority and see how you can make money around that. That was the decision I made more than twenty years ago and it’s worked out very well for me.
I’m wondering if you have any recommendations for Humidifiers/Vaporizers. I’m leaning towards the Steam Vaporizers because I’ve heard that they are less likely to promote growth of bacteria, molds, etc. I have never purchased one before so I’m wondering if you have any recommendations, and hopefully some first-hand experience using particular kinds.
Thanks!
Erik
Debra’s Answer
I’ve never used one, so I have no experience with them. It’s pretty humid here in Florida most of the year, and our objective is to remove moisture, not add it. Readers, any recommendations regarding humidifiers?
My husband and I are expecting our first child in June. I have read all of the posts that contain info on purchasing a non-toxic baby crib and am grateful for the wealth of knowledge that was shared. I was wondering however, if anyone knows if an older solid wood baby crib, having been fully sanded and sealed with a non-toxic sealant, would be just as safe as purchasing a new non-toxic baby crib? Would the toxins from the original glues and stains/seals have gassed-out after 5 or more years, or would there be enough residual toxins left-over to continue gassing-out after the crib has been sanded and sealed? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Debra’s Answer
I would say that an old wood baby crib, sanded and sealed would be as safe as a new one. The original glues and stains might have seeped into the wood, but sealing the crib should cover any residuals that might be left.
I am looking into purchasing a mattress from Sleepy’s, I need to know what should I look out for when purchasing a mattress and where can I get a chemical free mattress.
In this video, nutritional biochemist Genita Petralli talks about how toxic chemicals around us affect mental health. She says that mental health has underlying physical causes and explains how neurotoxic chemicals create mental symptoms. This video includes pictures of slides showing cell damage caused by neurotoxic chemicals.
Just wanted to pass this along as another reason to eliminate toxic chemicals from your home.
I am looking for the best room or house air purifying system.
Debra’s Answer
There is not one air purifying system that is “best.” Nor is this a short answer. I wrote a whole chapter on choosing air filters in my book Home Safe Home. I suggest you start there.
I first bought a box of CD sleeves, by Memorex that has a so-called plastic sheet see-thru window and it has a flap to close. I noticed that it has a plastic smell to it, I am gathering its because of the plastic sheet see-thru window. Then I thought, let me see if they have some CD sleeves without the see-thru window. Well, they do and they are called CD File Folders. The box says a third-cut assorted tabs for labeling, maximizes capacity of any CD storage device and sturdy card stock. The name brand of this one is Vaultz. And it says under that LOCK IT UP. Oh, and it does not have a flap to close. This kind had a smell like perfume at first, but after airing out for a while, now it smells like plastic.
What is up with the smell on these two different ones? Is one better than the other! Or is there a different one out there I can get that won’t have a smell?
By the way, both of these boxes were bought at Office Depot.
Debra’s Answer
I have a box of “CD/DVD Envelopes” made by Fellowes that have the plastic window. To me, they don’t smell at all, but they might smell to you. I’ve had these for a while and they are probably aired out. I don’t know why a plain paper envelope would smell like plastic. I think you should just air them out before using. I would probably choose the ones without the plastic window. I purchased the ones with the window because I didn’t know the others were available.
I recently had a new hot water tank installed and every time I run the hot water whether I run it very hot or lukewarm I smell a kind of metallic burning odor in the air and also on my dishes after rinsing them in the hot water. The plumber did add some copper pipes and used solder on the joints. I’m wondering if the smell could be lead related?! The water temperature is set at factory default which is 140 degree F. Any opinions, comments and experiences would be appreciated. I suffer from MCS and am very disturbed by this. I’m concerned about showering or bathing in the water. Thank you.
Debra, I know you’re a proponent of glass. Is all glass nontoxic? Maybe Pyrex makes some? Assuming there are heat resistant glass mugs, are all glass mugs a safe option for coffee, tea soup etc. or do I need to know anything else about the glass before I buy? What about a glass kettle does one exist? Thanks again.
Debra’s Answer
I consider all glass to be nontoxic, except for lead crystal, which contains lead that can leach into the beverage. Even colored glass is OK (see Q&A: Colored Glass).
Our cat of 15 1/2 years died last year and we were heart broken to watch him suffer. I am beginning to be ready for a new kitty but want to provide as healthy an atmosphere as possible. In New York we never used heartworm prevention, but here in Florida all the vets we’ve spoken to insist it is a must, even though our cats would never go outdoors except on our screened lanai. However, heartworms live all year here. They say mosquitoes could come in on our backs (which is possible) or get into the lanai ( I’ve never seen one inside the lanai although I’ve seen other bugs that bite sneak in there.) We don’t want to use these products (like Revolution, Advantage etc. ) because they are, I believe, very similar to pesticides. Does anyone know if there are healthy, effective heartworm prevention alternatives? Or do other Florida residents opt out of these? If so, how has it worked over the long haul? Thanks for your help.
Debra’s Answer
Florida readers, what is your experience? We had a cat here in Florida that we brought from California. She died of old age. We didn’t do anything for heartworm.
I just realized that Klean Kanteen is made with surgical steel. So does that mean it won’t leach metals even in hot Reverse Osmosis water?
Debra’s Answer
Surgical steel leaches less than regular stainless steel, but any “empty” water, such as distilled water or reverse osmosis will pull molecules from any material, including surgical stainless steel.
We are preparing to move into a new home which we have carefully designed to safe for our family with MCS. I’ve begun looking for options for lining the cabinets, drawers and shelves safely. I’m certain conventional contact paper is out of the question. My own brainstorming has come up with the short list of unbleached wax paper (but I fear it will slide around and tear easily) or Natural cork tiles (which is very expensive and I will need to verify with the manufacturer that they haven’t been green washed). Any other suggestions or ideas that you have would be GREATLY appreciated!
Debra’s Answer
Readers, what do you use? I personally do not use shelf paper. In the old days, before contact paper, everyone used plain paper on their shelves, and held it down with tacks in the corner. My shelves are painted, and I leave them bare so they are easy to clean.
Secondly, the white porcelain you have…I’m confused on porcelains and glazed stonewares. What’s the difference?
Do you verify the glazes are safe? I’m curious because I’m in the process of revamping our fam’s cookware…we have some Corningware French White Stoneware that looks like yours pictured…it’s glazed. How does one know when to question the glaze used, or not?
The same with those Corningware Mugs that come with the “white collection”…they are glazed stoneware as well.
Confused-
Debra’s Answer
I have nothing against cast iron, I think it’s great. I’ve used it in the past and may use it again. This is just what I have at the moment.
The Corningware I have is a material called “pyroceramic” which is part glass and part ceramic. It does have a glaze that “meets the California requirements” according to the Customer Service representative. That’s the legal thing they have to say.
I doubt there is any lead in these glazes. I haven’t personally tested them, but Corning said they have been testing their products for years for lead and they have always been less than the California requirement.
I found you by Googling “mineral oil, is it safe?” Here’s why I ask: I am in my 60s and was perscribed a vaginal lubricant by my gyno….Having read the ingredients, it contains mineral oil. Yikes. I thought I remembered hearing that mineral oil is not that great for you so putting it there, well, thought I’d better check around first.
Looks like you might know something…..What do you say?
Debra’s Answer
I’m not a big fan of mineral oil. It’s made from petrochemicals and comes in different grades. I personally wouldn’t use it a vaginal lubricant as mineral oil has a tendancy to dry out the skin.
I was wondering if you’re familiar with Anji Mountain Bamboo rugs? I’m interested in one of their shag rugs and understand that the fiber is bamboo and cotton and that they use “non-toxic” dyes. However, I’m concerned about the backing and glue (particularly if there is any formaldehyde) that they use, as I can’t find any information on either. Thank you so much for your help with this and all the other great info on your site.
Debra’s Answer
From looking at the site, it looks to me like these rugs have no backing. If they are using natural fibers and nontoxic dyes, it’s likely there are no toxic elements. However, I would call the website and just double-check this with them (and then leave a comment here and let us know).
I’ve been seeing advertisements for Raid®’s new Earth Options insecticides. The label says the active ingredients are plant-based, but are they really safe to use?
Debra’s Answer
I contacted the manufacturer, S. C. Johnson and Sons, for the Material Safety Data Sheets for these products. They faxed them to me, along with a letter stating that they could only be used “for the purpose of safety and health evaluations by your company” and “any other use is expressly prohibited.” So I can’t tell you what the MSDS sheets say, but you can ask for your own copy, if you want to.
So I went to my local supermarket to see what it said on the label. All of the same active ingredients were listed–there was nothing on the MSDS that wasn’t on the label.
The active ingredients are eugenol and 2-phenethyl propionate. Eugenol is more commonly known as clove oil and gives the product it’s natural clove scent. It is used in many food flavorings and perfumes as well as in industrial applications. 2-phenethyl propionate is a synthetic flavoring agent made from coal tar that is on the FDA list of additives that are permitted to be added to food for human consumption.
These active ingredients are commonly used in other eco-friendly insecticide products. The critical difference between R
Had a question emailed to me about “outgassing”? What does it mean?
Outgassing means that there are one or more toxic chemicals present in a substance or material which are volatile, that is, they evaporate out of the substance or material into the air where you can breathe them.
Outgassing refers to the fumes (which are gasses) coming out into the air.
One of my most vivid childhood memories happened in a grade school science class. A bottle of formaldehyde was left open on a counter (I don’t know why) and it evaporated completely over a period of hours. The bottle was full and then it was empty. That’s evaporation of gasses.
Outgassing can occur quickly or over time. Often you can smell the chemicals, but not always.
When you are putting gasoline in your car and can smell it, that’s outgassing. And when you spill some on your shoes and the odor goes away after half an hour, the gasoline has “gassed out.”
But chemicals can also be bound up so they are “time-release.” An example of this is the formaldehyde resins used on permanent-press fabrics. The formaldehyde is bonded into the resin so it releases slowly over time. Same thing with particleboard. Another resin containing formaldehyde that releases over time. Many, many plastics time-release their toxic chemicals.
Hi all, does anyone know if scratched Corningware (meaning whatever is underneath is showing through in fairly fine gray scratches) and scorched(browned) is safe to use? Also, I guess the composition has changed through the years and I received mine about 16 years ago. Would Corningware from this time period in general be safe? Thanks as always.
Debra’s Answer
I don’t think there is anything “underneath” Corningware. I have white Corningware of about the same age as yours and it has some “fine gray scratches” but they look to me to be scratches that have filled in over time rather than exposing something underneath. Corningware is a single material through and through, not a coated material that can scratch.
I was shopping at Bed Bath & Beyond the other day and noticed they had a lot of bed and bath linens made from a fabric called Modal®. The label says it’s a natural fiber, but is it really?
Debra’s Answer
There are three general types of fabrics.
Synthetic fibers–such as acrylic and polyester–are manufactured from petrochemicals by turning crude oil into plastics and extruding the plastic into threads that are woven into fabric.
Natural fibers–cotton, linen, silk, wool, and ramie–are spun from fiberous materials found in nature. These fibers have been in use for millenneia and were spun by hand and with spinning wheels for centuries before industrialization.
Fibers such as rayon and Modal® fall in-between. They are made from natural cellulose, which occurs in all plants, but the process of turning the cellulose into fiber involves a lot of processing and chemicals. The finished product is not anything like the original cellulose as it was found in nature.
My personal preference is to stick with natural fibers. I haven’t been able to find out enough about the manufacture of manmade plant-based fibers to be able to determine their environmental safety or harm.
I don’t find rayon or Modal® to be particularly toxic, but I don’t consider them to be natural.
This product is a water-based sealer that seals old wallpaper adhesive and has VOCs of less than 100g/l. I am curious to know if anyone has used it and if they have had any adverse reactions to it. Technically, this is a low VOC product, correct?
Debra’s Answer
Yes, technically this is a low VOC product. I have no experience with this product. Readers?
Hi Debra, We live in an old wooden house in Louisiana and because there is about a foot or so between the bottom of our house and the ground our landlord puts some kind of wood or plywood that affects me. Actually we call it wrapping or insulating the house for the winter. Its to protect the pipes from freezing during the winter. We used to put tin around the house but our landlords don’t want that anymore. They don’t want, I guess, big holes in the wood outside the house. I read the information in your book, something about insulation made from aluminum foil, but I don’t know if it would apply to this also. I actually thought I saw someone’s house wrapped with something like that. Could you recommend something for us to put around the outside of the house that is safe and nontoxic?Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
I’m not familiar with this practice. Readers, what is your experience with this?
As one with allergies and moderate chemical sensitivities, I have always been leery of RV’s. However, we are getting closer to retirement and enjoy visiting state and national parks….and finding hotel/motels can be problematic and limited. We found a dealer in our region who carries AIRSTREAM, as we have always wanted to look at them and have basically ruled out other small/medium trailers we have viewed. We found very interesting in several that they had the aluminum skin on the inside, too, as a wall covering. That was intriguing as it would be one less man made covering to outgas formaldehyde and such, and would provide more of a seal. There still was, of course some cabinetry and such of man made components. Also, the dealership owner is one of the few we have found who understood thoroughly about the formaldehyde issue (although there was a lot of press about the sick folks in FEMA trailers). They carried a few other brands, and he was talking about last summer when he was out working/tidying in the trailers in high heat that he got sick in one of the other ones, from the outgassing of the fumes. After stepping into a Denali at the dealership, we were able to tell the great difference in air between it and the Airstream. We have learned in our home to have as much solid wood as possible and no particle board, plus no chemical cleaners, fragrance, etc.
We are nearly scared to make an investment, but…..Any information, suggestions, experiences, etc. would be greatly appreciated!
I have bought several of your books over the years and always enjoy the blog.
Is it harmful to use pots that have been burned (but cleaned thoroughly afterward)? Many of the pots we use in our home have been burned a number of times. My mother often attempts to steam veggies and ends up letting all the water evaporate so that the bottom of the pot is dry and black. I’m thinking this must produce some toxic effect of some sort. But she is adamant about the fact that it is perfectly fine to just clean the pot and use it again.
Also, I realize your list has a wealth of information on non-toxic cookware but I cannot really afford to buy an entire set. I was hoping you could recommend a good non-toxic, small size pot that I can use for making single serving meals for my dog (and myself). Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
I don’t know about how burning a pot affects the toxicity or leaching of the metal.
For one inexpensive pot, I’d probably get an old Visions pot at a flea market.
I am looking to purchase a pitcher with a water filter. Brita’s and Pur’s pitcher is made out of styrene. Zerowater’s pitcher is made out ABS food grade plastic. It sounds safer than styrene but I’m not exactly sure what ABS plastic is and was hoping you would be able to help me out with this.
Thanks so much!
Debra’s Answer
ABS is the abbreviation for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. It is a higher grade styrene that is harder and more stable. The other pitchers may also be ABS, but not labeled as such.
I can’t really recommend the water filters you are considering. They don’t work as well as even an undersink filter, which can be purchased for about the same amount of money.
Hello Debra, i love your website as ever since i have discovered it a few weeks ago, i have been a faithfull reader daily.
I do hope that YOU and your readers can help. Here is the thing, my mother in law uses fragrance products such as Fabreeze, Glade plug ins, the whole nine yards, etc all the time and has been for a LONG time so these TOXIC materials are in the walls, furniture, rugs…
My mil does not consider these TOXIC, however i do + my 2 young children , aged 1 & 3 and myself included are at risk, ecpecially since we all have allergies and asthma.
Please help! What can i tell her? And what is worse, there is a good chance we will be moving into her house in a few months…i feel at loss.
THANK YOU!
Debra’s Answer
All these products you mention ARE toxic and you should not be breathing them. It may be difficult if not impossible to remove them from her house if she has been using them for years.
I would try to find another place to live and not move into her house if at all possible.
We will be using an air compressor to install hardwood floors inside the home, using various pneumatic nail guns, staplers, and hammers in the process. The air compressor will be located in the room of installation or just outside the door. Are these items toxic or do they prove difficult for people with MCS? There are oiled and oil-less models, is one anymore or less toxic than the other? The manufacturers include DeWalt and Campbell-Hausfeld which are the ones we are looking at.
Debra’s Answer
I don’t think they are, but I haven’t ever used one in an installation. Readers? Any experience?
I notice none of the comments were about surgical steel. how about some information on surgical steel cook ware.
Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
First I had to research the difference between stainless steel and surgical stainless steel. There is a difference. Surgical stainless steel (or “surgical steel”) is stainless steel with the addition of molybdenum to prevent specific forms of corrosion and help maintain the cutting edge. It is used in the manufacture and handling of food and pharmaceutical products where it is often required in order to minimize metallic contamination.
There is cookware made from surgical stainless steel and this would be safer than ordinary stainless steel if you want stainless steel cookware. There are many available. Simply type “surgical steel cookware” in your favorite search engine to find them.
I understand wood glue is safe. So do I just get anything labeled wood glue or is there anything else I need to watch for? Is it a particular type or brand? I seem to remember reading that white glue/school glue is OK for us too. Is that true and do I need to watch out for anything with that?
Thank you. I appreciate having a place where I can ask these questions and get a knowledgeable answer.
Debra’s Answer
Both white glue and yellow woodworking glue are safe. I’ve tried a number of different brands and they were all pretty much the same. If you want a tried-and-true for-sure brand, buy Elmer’s.
The finish on my porcelain sink in the kitchen is wearing through. Is there any safe way to refinish it? It’s about 25 years old. I’d like to not replace it as it means tearing tile out around it.
I am interested in this single-use bamboo collection of plates, serveware and utensils, as an alternative to disposable plastic or paper plates. It seems like the right thing environmentally, just want to make sure there’s no other issues. they say no bleaches or dyes – would there be anything else to worry about, like adhesives?
i am planning on going to europe in the spring;i am chemically sensitive,so i would like to find out how / and what experiences people with MCS had
on one hand,i am told that europe is a waaaaay much greener than the usa; on the other hand i am told that the smokers are all over,and there is rare to find cafes,bistros,etc,smoke free
is “the downy and tide ” an ” epidemic,as it is here?
do people acknowledge chemical sensitivities,and know the NAME/DEFINITION?
is a trip to the laundromat,a ” TRIP TO HELL ” ,as it is in the usa ?
i dont dip/soak myself in chlorinated pools,and to find a hotel,cross coutry here,in the usa,is a nightmare,with ALL the cleaning toxic stuff,febreeze and similar sprays,etc
Debra’s Answer
I went to Germany last September. I can tell you some pros and cons.
Yes, cigarette smoke is everywhere. A lot of “green” in Europe has to do with energy savings, and they do have a lot of natural and herbal products, especially in Germany and England, but I didn’t notice a particular awareness of MCS.
I had no problem getting organic food in Cologne, a major city.
A benefit is that many of the buildings in Europe are very old, and the lesser-priced lodging is usually in an old building. I found a lovely old building to stay in with a big room with big windows into the back garden, not on the street. It was very quiet and no exhaust fumes from the street.
The most difficult part is the plane trip. I think my flight was 17 hours from Florida to Germany, with two stops to change planes. (There was even organic food at the airport!). They do spray something in the plane, some kind of pesticide or disinfectant, but for me it’s just difficult to be in the closed plane for the transatlantic flight, which is something like 8-9 hours from the East Coast, and only breathe that recirculated airplane air. And then, when you get to the airport, the air is full of jet fuel and plane exhaust.
It was a major victory for me to go to England in 1987 and not react. I went for a month and was fine. That was my proof I had recovered from MCS. That said, I think it would be difficult for someone with MCS to make the trip.
I called customer service at Custom Building Products today and by luck ended up talking to someone with experience installing tile for people with MCS.
He told me not to use any standard grout but instead a mix of 2 parts sand and 1 part cement. I considered it, but since this is an apartment installation, I don’t think that would be allowed due to installer warranty issues and higher risk of cracks developing.
The conversation worried me though as he said that the sand and cement method is all he could recommend based on his experiences with MCS.
I’m wondering if you’ve recently used the Custom Building Products Polyblend grout (around 2008-09). I’ve read of some people having problems with polymers, but the polyblend worked well for you for your 2005 bathroom remodel described in your e-book. I’m worried there might have been some formula changes so if this product has worked for you recently as well, I’d feel more assured.
I’m also considering Laticrete SpectraLock, which is the only Greenguard certified brand, and C-Cure since other MCS resource sites recommended it. I recall someone saying the C-Cure needed to be offgassed for a week though :/ .. at least a week isn’t too long and I intend to do at least a 5-day bake out anyway.
Whether modified with polymers and biocides or not, all the pre-mades have been enhanced with ‘special chemicals.’ I’ll just have to rely on experience here 😉
Debra’s Answer
We’ve used Polyblend within the last year and had no problems with it. I don’t know what the “special chemicals” might be. We’ll use it again as we continue to remodel our kitchen.
The cement/sand blend would be the least toxic for sure. But I don’t experience the Polyblend as being toxic.
Thanks for posting this. This company has a good variety of shades in many styles and materials and even understands the needs of people with MCS. This is a great resource, since it has been difficult to find good window shades.
I usually try to provide answers that might be helpful to subscribers to Green Living, but this time I have a question and some information that might be helpful to those who have sensitivities.
My wife Joanne, who is chemically sensitive, has recently been diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism, which usually is caused by a non-malignant adenoma (tumor) on one or more of the four parathyroid glands located in the neck. Hyperparathyroidism causes too much calcium to circulate in the bloodstream, which can cause a host of problems including neurological, cardiac, autoimmune, and skeletal problems.
If I may make a request to your readers, Debra, I would really appreciate it. I’d like to know if any of your chemically sensitive subscribers has hyperparathyroidism and if they have or have had it would they either respond to this post. I’m looking for information on their diagnoses and treatments, as well as whether they’re sensitivities lessened after treatment and whether the disease runs in their families. I’m interested in this because numerous people in Joanne’s family are chemically sensitive and at least one of them has been diagnosed with “calcification of the brain,” which indicates a calcium regulation problem. Hyperparathyoridism is very often familial and we’re wondering if their is a correlation between this disease and some cases of chemical sensitivity
Also, I’d like to pass along an excellent web site by the top parathyroid surgeon in the country, Dr. James Norman, the inventor of the mini-parathyroid surgery used today to remove tumors: www.parathyroid.com. The site provides exhaustive info on this underdiagnosed condition.
One final thought. Dr. Norman stresses one point over and over again on his site. High calcium on a blood test is overwhelmingly caused by primary hyperparathyroidism from a tumor on one of the parathyroid glands in the neck. Many GPs know very little about calcium and the parathyroid glands and they will take a “wait and see” attitude towards elevated calcium levels. Because calcium levels in the body are so tightly regulated by the parathyroid glands and there are so few reasons why calcium levels can become elevated, he recommends that patients get the combination parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium level test done, even if the calcium level is 10.3, where 10.2 is the top of normal reference. So, if you or a loved one have even slightly high calcium, please get tested.
I’ve been reading/hearing a lot about how amazing this product is for hair but the ones I’ve seen in stores are mixed with synthetic ingredients. I was wondering if you or your readers know of or have tried a brand of Argan Oil that is 100% pure and Natural.
Thank You!
Debra’s Answer
Here are some useful links about argan oil that include information on what it is and it’s uses as well as sources for pure organic argan oil.
I recently rented a cello from a music store, planning to take lessons. I quickly discovered that I could not tolerate the cello itself…either the rosen or the cleaning fluid that was used to clean it after the last student used it for many months.
When I handled it, both the palms of my hands and my face got very reddened and burning feeling. I had no choice but to take it back to the store. They suggested that I try one of the new ones, direct from the factory (China) that they were ordering as rentals…they said they would not clean it up with anything before I would get it. Meantime, I will try to figure out if I’m reactive to the rosen itself, and the other thing is that I suspect that the new finish on the wood will be off-gassing.
My question is, has anyone faced a similar problem of intolerance to their stringed instruments, and if so, what did you do to eliminate the problem. I hate to give up my dream of playing the cello. Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
i live in a co-op in yonkers new york. how do i or who do i contact to test my water? the woman below me has a washer and we are not supposed to. the management knows i have been sick and really hasn’t d,one anything. i am concerned that there is back up in the water. sometimes when i shower my body tingles. it freaks me out!! I also get exttremely dizzy, nautious,s and tired. I did three mold tests in my bedroom and it was positive for black mold. the management office and board president didn’t care even though i wanted them to see. The building inspector came out and didn’t see mold in my house but said that it could be in walls. but how do i test for that and other odorless fumes that this washer can be causing.
any help thank you!
sonja
Debra’s Answer
It sounds like you have several problems here:
I’m not sure that all of these problems are due to the illegal washer in the unit below.
I would start with a professional mold inspector, if you’ve tested your bedroom and it is positive for black mold. You need professional mold remediation and your manager needs to pay attention to this.
I saw a new toothpaste called Coral White by Coral Inc.
Do you or any of the users know about this and if so, what do you think of it?
Debra’s Answer
It does have natural ingredients, however, I think their claim that it is the “only natural toothpaste” is incorrect.
My only disagreement is that it contains stevia, xylitol and sorbitol, all considered “natural” because they come from plant sources, but they are so highly refined they are no longer in their natural state.
If you want the coral minerals, just buy a coral calcium carbonate supplement and brush with that.
I can’t seem to get a straight answer about Silica…I notice that it is used in just about any supplement I purchase. Is this form of Silica dangerous?
Debra’s Answer
Silica is the chemical compound silicon dioxide, an oxide of silicon. Silica is most commonly found in nature as sand or quartz, as well as in the cell walls of diatoms (as in diatomaceous earth. It is the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust.
Silica is used primarily in the production of window glass, drinking glasses and bottled beverages, as well as optical fibers for telecommunications. It is a primary raw material for many ceramics including earthenware, stoneware and porcelain, and industrial Portland cement.
Silica is common additive in food products, where it is used primarily as a flow agent in powdered foods, or to absorb water.
I know of no harmful effects from digesting silica in foods or supplements. In fact, it is sold as a mineral supplement.
Silicosis is a disabling, nonreversible and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by overexposure to breathing large amounts of crystalline silica, such as amounts you would be exposed to in workplace exposures. It is not toxic, it is a particle hazard. You wouldn’t be exposed to this amount at home.
I am getting ready to remodel my kitchen. They are wanting me to put a Convection oven in. Does anyone know the safety of a convection oven with a microwave (which I would never use, but they want me to put it in for re-sale value). I am concerned about the microwave as well.
Is it OK to use this as a regular oven even thought it doubles as a microwave and are convection ovens healthy to use in and of themselves?
Debra’s Answer
Personally, I stay away from the microwave, but I have no experience with convection ovens.
I can’t seem to find a house to purchase that isn’t sprayed with pesticides and can’t move out of the area. I do have MCS. Do you or any of your readers have any experience detoxing a house with pesticides? Thank you so much!
Debra’s Answer
I have only once attempted to detox a house with pesticides. The client knew the exact name of the pesticide and it had only been applied under the house. We contacted the manufacturer and found out what other chemical could be used to make a chemical reaction that would break down the pesticide. It turned out to be ordinary chlorine bleach. It was applied and turned out to be a very effective solution.
Readers, any experience detoxing a house sprayed with pesticides?
It begins, “Of the 84,000 chemicals in commercial use in the United States — from flame retardants in furniture to household cleaners — nearly 20 percent are secret, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, their names and physical properties guarded from consumers and virtually all public officials under a little-known federal provision.”
The article goes on to say that the policy was designed 33 years ago to protect trade secrets in a highly competitive industry. But now many–including the Obama administration–are recognizing that this law makes it impossible for regulators to control toxic chemicals in products for consumers to find out which toxic substances they might be exposed to.
Currently the law protects the financial interests of business while putting the health of consumers and the environment at risk.
The article gives one example of a nurse being exposed to a toxic chemical while treating a patient, and then herself having symptoms from the same chemical. She was unable to find out exactly what the chemical was.
In my opinion, there should be full disclosure of all substances and materials used in all consumer products. I’ve been saying this for decades. Otherwise, we cannot make informed decisions.
The Obama administration is working on reducing secrecy.
Fortunately, there are many nontoxic products available, made by companies who choose to not use secret chemicals. Many of these products can be found on this blog and listed on Debra’s List.
I want to thank everyone who sent me this article this week and all of you who continue, every day, to be vigilant about finding and sharing products we can all use that do not contain secret harmful chemicals.
“The mission of this popular Web site is to improve the general awareness of what corrosion is all about, from complicated processes that are at play even behind the simplest corrosion reactions to the impact corrosion may have on systems (pipelines, cars, boats, …) and human health (implants, allergies, toxic metals …).
“Many are surprised when they learn that there are many ways to prevent and control this natural force. The Corrosion Doctors’ visitors are also surprised when they learn that these corrosion processes may also be happening inside their own body!! However, the topics covered in the many pages of the Web site go much beyond metallic corrosion because Corrosion Doctors also discuss the degradation of our lives due to toxic elements and the basic degradation of the planet because of pollution, global warming, and global dimming! With more than 1,600 pages and thousands of external links, the Corrosion Doctors site is a good example of what lean information systems are about.”
I have a question about moth balls. I have an old cedar chest from my childhood that I’d like to use, but it still has the smell of mothballs in it left over from the early 1960’s. There are some vintage clothes in it I’d like to clean and sell. I’d like to know how to clean the clothes and cedar chest to eradicate the toxins and nasty smell. Any advice? Thanks, BethanyC
Untreated cotton, organic cotton (percale and flannel–in solid colors), and bamboo twill sheet sets online and in stores. I can’t link to the specific pages, so use their search engine to type in “all-natural sheet sets,” “organic,” and “bamboo”. Good prices.
Organic and natural, antibiotic-free meat products, including deli meats, hot dogs, bacon, italian meats, sausages, and more.
This company proves recycled can also be beautiful with their gorgeous historic, classical window hardware. They manufacture over 600 types of drapery hardware in recycled wrought iron, reforested carved wood, recyclable cast stone, tortoise shell bamboo (the fastest growing renewable resource on the planet) and a highly polished recycled aluminum.
The most luxurious eco-friendly bedlinens I’ve seen. Organic cotton bedlinens come in a rainbow of solid colors, in an Indian print applied by hand with wood blocks, and other natural designs and in various weights. Natural color linen bedlinens contain both fine Irish and Belgian linen. And alpaca–yes, soft alpaca sheets and pillowcases–from animals grazed on land that is free of fertilizers and pesticides, where the herders practice a philosophy of “Pachamama” to develop harmony between man and the mother earth and to preserve the alpacas’ welfare. Silk bedlinens–and handstitched quilts, shams and bedskirts in vibrant colors–are finished with organic nut oil soap instead of formaldehyde. All can be custom monogrammed. Packaging is minimal packaging out of only recycled materials that can also be recycled or reused. All the eco-benefits of each product are fully explained. “We video tape in person, in all countries, all human resources that go into the manufacturing of our draperies. We guarantee good working conditions where happy employees take pride in producing our quality healthy products for a healthy planet…We have a corporate commitment to alternative labor sources. We also have an ethical responsibility to our community including support for homeless and battered women’s programs.”
Founded in 1975 by William J. Rea, M.D., AEHF is a nonprofit organization founded to do research and provide education about multiple chemical sensitivities. This is funded in part through proceeds from their on-line store, which carries nearly 1500 environmentally safe products for the home and office, including: organic cotton clothing and bedding, personal care products, pollutant detection kits, charcoal and ceramic masks, household cleaning products, vitamin and mineral supplements, ar filters and purifiers, safe paints, sealers, and stains, adhesives, water filtration systems and saunas.
Renewable energy certificates using 100% wind.
